Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
A terse declaration suggesting power belongs to those who can seize and hold it.
In plain terms
Only the strongest truly rule.
What can you take from it?
Power follows capability and force.

Where it applies

  • succession struggles
  • power transfers
  • conflicts

Putting it to work

  • justifying rule
  • motivating strength

Questions to consider

  • Is might always right?
  • When should force decide leadership?

Another view

It dismisses fairness, consent, and moral right.

More from Alexander the Great

  1. Are you still to learn that the end and perfection of our victories is to avoid the vices and infirmities of those whom we subdue?

    Permalink to quote #10
  2. An army of sheep led by a lion is better than an army of lions led by a sheep.

    Permalink to quote #12
  3. Now you fear punishment and beg for your lives, so I will let you free, if not for any other reason so that you can see the difference between a Greek king and…

    Permalink to quote #9

Related quotes

  1. In the life of nations, what in the last resort decides questions is a kind of Judgment Court of God.... Always before god and the world the stronger has the r…

    Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler quote #13
  2. For the love of God, for the love of your children and of the civilization to which you belong, cease this madness. You are mortal men. You are capable of erro…

    George F. KennanGeorge F. Kennan quote #7
  3. 'Force is the weapon of the weak.'

    Ammon HennesseyAmmon Hennessey quote #14