ought not to let women defeat him.

Wisdom. Alexander once asked Aristotle, “Which is better for kings: courage or justice?” Aristotle replied, “When the ruler is just, he has no need of courage.”

Story. Alexander dismissed one of his officials from a grave and weighty post and assigned him to a light, insignificant duty instead. Some days later the man came to the royal court, and Alexander asked him, “How do you find your new post?” He replied, “May the king’s life be prolonged! Men are not ennobled by their offices; rather, offices are ennobled by men—through upright conduct, fairness, justice, and the avoidance of extravagance.” Alexander approved of his answer and restored him to his former position.

Wisdom. Socrates said, “The world is built upon justice; when injustice intrudes, it can neither remain nor endure.”

Another wisdom. Buzurjmehr was asked, “By what does a king’s honor become manifest?” He answered, “By three things: guarding the frontiers while driving the enemy from the realm; honoring and exalting the scholars and cherishing people of virtue. Whenever a ruler becomes tyrannical, the inhabitants of the borderlands grow fearful. Even if their blessings are abundant, fear prevents them from enjoying them; whereas when security prevails, modest blessings are savored—just as the story illustrates.”

Story. It is said that a man became separated from a pilgrimage caravan, lost his way, and slipped into the mire. He kept on until he reached a tent where he found an elderly woman and, at its entrance, a dog lying asleep. The pilgrim greeted the old woman and asked her for food. She said, “Go to that valley and catch as many snakes as will suffice you, so that I may roast them for you.”