The last words of Alexander, The Great

Alexander, after conquering many kingdoms, was returning home. On the way, he fell ill and it took him to his death-bed. With death staring him on the 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 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, whatever would they be.

"My first desire is", 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 heaped 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 to question His Highness... At last Alexander's favorite General kissed his hand and pressed them to his heart. "O Mighty King, we assure you that your wishes will all be fulfilled. But tell us why 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."

Those lessons are now for you to learn....

I want my physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that no doctor can cure anybody. 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 way to the graveyard is to tell people that not even a fraction of the gold or the riches will come with me when I die. I spent all my life earning riches but cannot take anything with me. Let people realize that it is a sheer waste of time to chase wealth.

And 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 leave this world".

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

Lessons to Learn

Remember, your good health is in your own hands, take care of it.

Wealth is only meaningful if you can enjoy it; while you are still alive and kicking.

What you do for yourself dies with you, but what you do for others, lives on and is
called, 'Legacy'.

A 30 seconds Speech by Bryan Dyson (CEO of Coca Cola)

"Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air.

You name them - Work, Family, Health, Friends and Spirit.

Imagine you're keeping all of these in the air.

You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back.

But the other four balls - Family, Health, Friends and Spirit - are made of glass.

If you drop any of those;
they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered.
They will never be the same.
You must understand it and strive not to drop any of those."

Work efficiently during office-hours and leave on time for your home.

Spend quality time with your family and friends.. and don't forget to have proper rest.

"Value has a value only if its value is valued"

Thank you and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Love,

Prof. Dr. Alex Abraham Odikandathil