Socrates molded his world in critical ways although he never lived to see them gestate and mature. Socrates never foresaw the domino effect that would eventually culminate in a world empire. Socrates tipped the first oblong piece by simple means, but he would become the idol for many young students in Athens including Plato who tipped the next piece by curriculizing Socrates’ teachings and instituting the academic school. The next piece to fall was in the academy where one student proved himself a mental giant and the gem of the school. Aristotle, the school genius, pushed over the next domino when he excepted the call to tutor Alexander the prince of Macedonia (due to other political domino tracks, macedon had claimed the greater part of Greece under a single coalition.) Under a united Grecian state, Alexander was able to knock over a thousand dominos by conquering the known word and spreading Grecian culture throughout his empire resulting in what would later be considered the Western world.
Here is the story:
“When Alexander was 13, Philip began to search for a tutor, and considered such academics as Isocrates and Speusippus, the latter offering to resign to take up the post. In the end, Philip chose Aristotle and provided the Temple of the Nymphs at Mieza as a classroom. In return for teaching Alexander, Philip agreed to rebuild Aristotle's hometown of Stageira, which Philip had razed, and to repopulate it by buying and freeing the ex-citizens who were slaves, or pardoning those who were in exile.[25][26][27]
Mieza was like a boarding school for Alexander and the children of Macedonian nobles, such as Ptolemy, Hephaistion, and Cassander. Many of these students would become his friends and future generals, and are often known as the 'Companions'. Aristotle taught Alexander and his companions about medicine, philosophy, morals, religion, logic, and art. Under Aristotle's tutelage, Alexander developed a passion for the works of Homer, and in particular the Iliad; Aristotle gave him an annotated copy, which Alexander later carried on his campaigns.[28][29][30]
At age 16, Alexander's education under Aristotle ended. Philip waged war against Byzantion, leaving Alexander in charge as regent and heir apparent.[17] During Philip's absence, the Thracian Maedi revolted against Macedonia. Alexander responded quickly, driving them from their territory. He colonized it with Greeks, and founded a city named Alexandropolis.[31][32][33]”19
Alexander is not like the other examples. While Carnegie represented work and business, and Mill personifies scholarly study, and Socrates meditation and conversation, Alexander embodies leadership and friendship. While Alexander was only under the tutelage of Aristotle for a short time, he did learn everything he needed for his soon-to-come campaigns. Unlike the individualistic educations mentioned before, Alexander made unbreakable friendships and a dynamic group of companions that would defy all odds and expectations.
19 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Great#Adolescence_and_education
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