The line, “Alexander once said to me that we are most alone when we are with the myths,” encapsulates profound themes of isolation, the weight of legacy, and the tension between reality and legend. This statement, rooted in the narrative of Alexander (2004), reflects the inner turmoil of a leader striving to transcend human limits and live up to the expectations of greatness defined by myths and legends.
Breaking Down the Quote
“We are most alone…”
- Meaning:
- The phrase highlights the loneliness inherent in the pursuit of greatness and the isolation experienced by those who aspire to achieve the extraordinary.
- Alexander, as a figure who sought to emulate and surpass mythological heroes like Achilles and Heracles, found himself in a solitary space where few could understand or relate to his ambitions.
- Emotional Context:
- Alexander’s life was filled with people—soldiers, advisors, friends, and lovers—but his vision and aspirations set him apart. This isolation stems from being misunderstood or from carrying a burden no one else shares.
“…when we are with the myths.”
- Meaning:
- Myths are symbolic representations of greatness, often embodying ideals that are impossible for humans to achieve.
- By striving to live according to mythological standards, Alexander placed himself in a realm of unattainable perfection, leading to feelings of inadequacy and solitude.
- Connection to Alexander:
- Alexander idolized Achilles, the legendary Greek hero, and sought to replicate his heroics and fame. However, myths are larger than life, making them impossible to fully emulate without losing one’s humanity.
- This line reveals Alexander’s awareness of the gap between mortal life and the divine or mythological ideal, emphasizing the loneliness of trying to bridge that gap.
Themes and Implications
1. The Isolation of Ambition
- Great leaders and visionaries often find themselves alone because their aspirations surpass the understanding or support of those around them.
- Alexander’s desire to conquer the known world and unify diverse cultures placed him in a mental and emotional space few could relate to, even among his closest companions.
2. The Burden of Mythology
- Myths create an idealized vision of greatness that often overlooks the human cost of achieving it.
- Alexander’s life was a constant struggle to live up to the heroic narratives he admired, but myths lack nuance—they glorify success without acknowledging the personal sacrifices, doubts, and failures that come with it.
3. The Search for Meaning
- Myths are deeply tied to humanity’s search for meaning and purpose. For Alexander, living with the myths was about striving for immortality, not in a literal sense, but through legacy and enduring fame.
- This quest for significance can be both inspiring and alienating, as it requires one to focus on ideals that are often detached from everyday human experiences.
4. The Tragic Paradox of Legacy
- By aligning himself with the myths, Alexander ensured that his name would live forever, but this very act distanced him from the people around him and from his own humanity.
- His pursuit of glory often caused conflicts with his men and strained personal relationships, highlighting the cost of chasing legendary status.
Alexander’s Relationship with Myth
- Achilles as a Role Model:
- Alexander carried a copy of Homer’s Iliad and saw himself as a modern-day Achilles. This self-comparison placed immense pressure on him to act as a heroic figure, even in situations where practical leadership might have been more effective.
- Heracles and the Gods:
- Alexander claimed descent from Heracles and positioned himself as semi-divine in his later years. This aspiration to transcend mortality further isolated him from others, as it created a divide between him and his followers, who viewed him as mortal.
Philosophical Reflections
1. The Myth as an Ideal
- Myths serve as ideals for humanity, showing what is possible at the peak of human potential. However, they can also set unrealistic expectations, leading to disillusionment and isolation.
- For Alexander, the myths were a guide but also a source of torment, as he constantly questioned whether he could live up to their standards.
2. Existential Solitude
- To be “with the myths” is to engage with something eternal and vast, something that dwarfs individual human existence. This engagement can feel profoundly isolating, as it highlights the smallness of human life in contrast to the grandeur of legend.
3. The Cost of Greatness
- The pursuit of greatness often demands sacrifices—of personal relationships, comfort, and even one’s identity. Alexander’s statement reflects his awareness of these costs and his recognition that the myths, while inspiring, can also be a source of loneliness and pain.
Conclusion
Alexander’s reflection on myths reveals a deep understanding of the human condition. His statement acknowledges the isolating nature of greatness, the unattainability of mythological ideals, and the personal sacrifices required to leave a legacy. It also serves as a reminder that while myths inspire us to reach for the extraordinary, they can also alienate us from the everyday realities that make life meaningful. This tension between the mortal and the mythic defines Alexander’s life and legacy, making him both a hero and a tragic figure in history.
