Health, Wealth & Purpose, courtesy The last three wishes of Alexander the Great

Alexander III of Macedon, commonly known as Alexander the Great succeeded his father, Philip II, to the throne at the age of twenty. He spent most of his ruling years on an unprecedented military campaign through Asia and northeast Africa, and by the age of thirty he had created one of the largest empires of the ancient world, stretching from Greece to Egypt into northwest India and modern-day Pakistan. He was undefeated in battle and is widely considered one of history's most successful military commanders.

Alexander, after conquering many kingdoms, was returning home. On the way, he fell ill and it took him to his deathbed. With death staring him in his face, Alexander realized how his conquests, his great army, his sharp sword and all his wealth were of no consequence. He now longed to reach home to see his mother's face and bid her his last adieu. But, he had to accept the fact that his sinking health would not permit him to reach his distant homeland. So, the mighty conqueror lay prostrate and pale, helplessly waiting to breathe his last.

He called his generals and said, "I will depart from this world soon, I have three wishes, please carry them out without fail."

With tears flowing down their cheeks, the generals agreed to abide by their king's last wishes.

"My first desire is that", said Alexander, "My physicians alone must" carry my coffin."

After a pause, he continued, "Secondly, I desire that when my coffin is being carried to the grave, the path leading to the graveyard be strewn with gold, silver and precious stones which I have collected in my treasury".

The king felt exhausted after saying this. He took a minute's rest and continued. "My third and last wish is that both my hands be kept dangling out of my coffin".

The people who had gathered there wondered at the king's strange wishes. But no one dared bring the question to his or her lips. Alexander's favorite general kissed his hand and pressed them to his heart.

"O king, we assure you that all your wishes will be fulfilled. But tell us why do you make such strange wishes?"

At this Alexander took a deep breath and said, "I would like the world to know of the three lessons I have just learnt.” 

“I want my physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that no doctor on this earth could really cure any body. They are powerless and cannot save a person from the clutches of death. So let not people take life for granted.”

“The second wish of strewing gold, silver and other riches on the path to the graveyard is to tell People that not even a fraction of gold will come with me. I spent all my life with greed of Power, earning riches but cannot take anything with me. Let people realize that it is a sheer waste of time to chase wealth.”

“About my third wish of having my hands dangling out of the coffin, I wish people to know that I came empty handed into this world and empty handed I go out of this world".

With these words, the king closed his eyes. Soon he let death conquer him and breathed his last. 

LESSONS TO LEARN

Remember, your Health is in your own hands, look after it. Wealth is only meaningful if you can share with family, friends and less privileged and also enjoy while you are still alive, kicking & healthy. What you do for yourself dies with you. But what you do for others will live for ever.

I hope my thoughts this week would inspire you to leave the right Legacy behind. I am inspired to do so.

Pl