The Top 10 Things Alexander the Great did to be Irresistibly Attractive

Originally Submitted on 8/11/2003.

1. He created legends around himself.

As a boy Alexander tamed a famous horse that no one else could tame. The horse was named Bucephalus and Alexander did this by figuring out that the horse was afraid of its own shadow.

2. For an encounter with the enemy, he dressed in a special and conspicuous style.

Alexander's helmet shone like silver and sported magnificent snow-white plumes. Over his armor, he slung a magnificent cloak and had carried near him the sacred armor he took from the Temple of Athena at Troy (relics of the Trojan War). And he always rode Bucephalus into battle.

3. He was a master of psychological manipulation.

Alexander gave certain people the right to kiss him as a Persian potentate. He later withdrew the right and used it to manipulate his followers. Some could and some could not.

4. He made dramatic gifts.

Alexander gave all the newly married men in his army a chance to return home for awhile. He also paid off all the debts of his veterans and, more importantly, he did if for them while they kept their anonymity.

5. He used praise to motivate and to create loyalty in his followers.

Before a battle, Alexander personally praised any former noble acts of bravery, citing both the deed and the man. He implied: You have done it before. You can do it again.

6. He acted decisively.

When some veterans mutinied, Alexander immediately fingered 13 of the ringleaders and had them marched off for instant death. As the stunned crowd watched, he pointed to each of the condemned men personally and harangued them for their disloyalty.

7. He was dramatic.

Alexander sometimes feigned sleep before a great battle or in the face of danger as a dramatic gesture of reassurance to his subordinates.

8. He kept his word.

Alexander always said he would fight only as long as his men wanted to follow him. When at last they refused, he turned back toward home, honoring their wishes.

9. He refused to complicate things.

Alexander is famous for cutting the Gordian knot. This symbolizes that he is a man of action who will not let things get too complicated before doing something about it.

10. He showed compassion.

Alexander personally visited the wounded, asked each man how his wound was received and encouraged him to recount and even to boast of his exploits.

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