Often in life I’ve heard you should behave and conduct yourself in such a manner that reflects that which you wish to obtain or become. For example, if you want a promotion you should behave as if the position was already yours, or if you want a new house you should behave as if it is already yours.
It’s a rather simple concept; you leverage self-confidence in order to achieve something specific. This sounds like a modern concept, one which you would learn from contemporary lore. However, this is not a new concept. I’ll tell you of the story of a monarch who behaved as if he ruled the world, before he in fact conquered the world.
The year was 332 BC, Alexander had just won his second battle against Darius, he was the King of Persia, Lord of Asia, Pharaoh of Egypt, King of Mesopotamia… indeed quite a few titles. In the aftermath of the battle of Issus the Persian Empire found itself in a dire situation. Darius had barely escaped alive, the Hellenic army found his royal chariot as well as his bow not far away from the field of battle. However these were not the only war trophies they secured.
At Darius’ camp the Hellenes found an ever more valuable treasure. The wife of Darius as well as both of his daughters were left behind. Darius’ family was grieving for what else would Hellenes at the camp would mean but the death of Darius. To this Alexander told them that Darius was alive, he had managed to escape. They should fear not as no one would harm them, and in fact they were to be treated with the respect and attentions queens and princesses should expect. Was this not the most kingly behavior?
Some days later a letter from Darius addressed to Alexander arrived. From one king to another king, Darius proposed a peace; Alexander could keep all the territories he conquered in Anatolia, an alliance was to be signed between Macedon and Persia, furthermore Alexander would marry the daughter of Darius. This was a very favorable offer, specially for a king who knew the raw power of the Hellenic army. Alexanders’ top general advised him to take the offer, but he had other plans.
Alexander sent his response, he stated that he was the Hegemon of Greece, his duty was to protect the Hellenic people. The Persians had invaded and attacked Greece in the past and it was his duty to avenge his people. Furthermore Alexander made it clear he was the master of the Persian country, he had only won two battles, the war was not over, but Alexander already felt victorious, and thus he felt entitled to the whole of the Persian empire. He told Darius he could surrender, he would be treated generously if he so did, and he could rejoin with his family. Failing to do so would mean his end. Finally he reminded Darius they were not equals, in the future he should refer to Alexander as king of Asia and not as an equal in rank to him.
Darius did not accept this counteroffer, he went on to fight, losing a few more battles. Alexander eventually became king of Asia, and of the whole known world. From Greece to India, he became the ruler. In his mind, he was always destined to become this, so he always behaved like the world was his.
