Related:

• Alexander was wont to say, "Were I not Alexander, I would be Diogenes.
  -- Plutarch (46-120 AD) -- Of the Fortune or Virtue of Alexander the Grea...
• Being nimble and light-footed, his father encouraged him to run in the Olympic race.
  Yes," said he, "if there were any kings there to run with me....
• When Darius offered him ten thousand talents, and to divide Asia equally with him, "I would accept it," said Parmenio, "were I Alexander.
  "And so truly would I," said Alexander, "if I were Parmenio....
• Themistocles being asked whether he would rather be Achilles or Homer, said, "Which would you rather be,--a conqueror in the Olympic games, or the crier that proclaims who are conquerors?
  -- Plutarch (46-120 AD) -- Themistocle...
• When asked what learning was the most necessary, he said, "Not to unlearn what you have learned.
  -- Diogenes Laertius (c. 200 AD) -- Antisthenes, iv...
• Diogenes the Cynic, when a little before his death he fell into a slumber, and his physician rousing him out of it asked him whether anything ailed him, wisely answered, "Nothing, si
  only one brother anticipates another,--Sleep before Death....
• When he was wounded with an arrow in the ankle, and many ran to him that were wont to call him a god
  he said smiling, "That is blood, as you see, and not, as Homer saith, 'such humour as distils from blessed gods....
• Bury me on my face," said Diogenes; and when he was asked why, he replied, "Because in a little while everything will be turned upside down.
  -- Diogenes Laertius (c. 200 AD) -- Diogenes, vi...
• Alexander said, "I assure you I had rather excel others in the knowledge of what is excellent, than in the extent of my power and dominion.
  -- Plutarch (46-120 AD) -- Life of Alexande...