Pysch Analysis

[Thalestris-Alexandros]

A psychologist colleague-friend of mine and I held an intense discussion on the psyche of Alexander. The psychologist's view of Alexander(having background knowledge on ATG)is: Alexander clinically, by today's standards, demonstrated a human being who held himself at high standards[perfectionist], generated by a poor self-concept; all motives of reaching for and accomplishing high achievments was to prove to himself he was worthy of himself of other's approval; later in his reign, he exhibited behaviors typical of psychosis exacerbated by alcohol and drug abuse(opium). I replied, "Wow, I never in the two decades of studying ATG saw the young king as such." Now, companions of Pothos, have any of you hold an opinion on this? I pretty much flabbergasted after the discussion. I can imagine Alexander addicted to opium to assuage the pain of his perforated body!

[ruthaki]

I kind of agree with part one, and I definitely agree with part two. I do believe he got off track by his over-drinking of unwatered wine and likely use of opiates to kill the pain of his terrible wounds (especially that arrow in the lung at Mallia). Not to speak of the other illness they all picked up from malaria to heaven-knows-what.

[susan]

I thought of drugs some time ago - possibly stronger than opium - both as pain relief and to get highs - communion with gods etc - remember Olympias was an ecstatic. I don't know enough about drugs available then - but surely in India he would have had access to them. I don't think alcohol is enough to account for the temperament change in the last days of his reign; later Roman writers may not have known much about drugs so would naturally put everything down to alcohol, but if you looked at such a person's behaviour now you would naturally say 'drugs'. Possibly Hephaestion too ?Susan

[dean]

Hello,
This subject has fascinated me for sometime.
In fact I brought up the subject some three or four months ago on this site.
An article is available on the web which discusses an analysis of Alexander.
The text defends a Freudian analysis and goes into the possibility- (we say possibility because the idea of psycho analysing someone who lived over two thousand years ago and basing that analysis on second hand reports is hazarding a big guess), that Alexander was suffering from an Oedepus complex.
The report openly admitting that it was not a recommendable practice to try to discover anybody's personality trait with so shabby evidence.
Personally I feel disappointed with most psychological evaluations. I don't think that any have remotely come near to explaining where his superhuman drive came from or "pothos"
Best regards, Dean.

[D.HATGISTAVROU]

I agree with part one.It is said many times that he drank too much. And its probably the reason why he ran Cleitus the Black through (with some intimidation from Cleitus). As far as part two, I believe that he pampered himself to some degree with hot baths and other healthy habits. I don't believe he would intentionally harm himself. Early in the campaign, his doctor Philip made some elixir for his fever, and it worked, but other than that, I can't recall him taking drugs. Were there any specific instances? If so please let me know.
Regards, DIMITRIOS

[davej]

I have spoken to my Wife a couple of times about Alexander's state of mind, being a psychologist and drug and alcohol councillor she is uniquely qualified to offer an opinion. Unfortunately ancient history bores her to tears. All I could get out of her was Alexander may have been Bi-polar
(don't quote me), and that it is extremely unlikely that he was addicted to opium. Opiates make people very lazy and not violent as a rule. Most violet crimes committed by drug addicts are committed in order to get high, not whilst they are high or pinned. As for alcoholism, he displays classic symptoms of an abuser. The mans liver coped quiet a hiding. Without a time machine we will never know.

[Thalestris-Alexandros]

Bi-polar, eh? Manic-Depressive? Shall we add compulsive-obsessive,for his *pothos* was insatiable! I have always been intrigued by Alexander's behaviors (i.e. daredevil stunts and extraordinary courage). What fueled him? He possessed an energy force beyond genuine stamina. Ah, to imagine Alexander in a few psychotherapy sessions...what would he share, hmm?

[jan]

I wish to comment upon your use of the term Pothos, or superhuman drive.You say that nobody knows where it came from. Is there any indication of his own recognition and acknowledgement of this enormous energy?I have just described an experience in which I could feel that same power that you appear to be referring to. That is why I do not believe that anyone can ever successfully psychoanalyze him. He is possessed of unique energy or dynamic powers that are extraordinary to ordinary mankind. It is what sets him apart from everyone around him more than just his title. He IS endowed with great vitality, a great outburst of real energy from within. He is dynamic, like a volcano, or like the energy of the Niagra Falls. He is a power!No matter what they thought of him, he is genuine and real.

[jan]

This has made my day. I am glad I came to the library after all.Since I have already confessed all, I just want to say thanks for being interested in such a noteworthy subject. I really like this kind of discussion!

[dean]

Hello,
I was curious about the term that your wife mentioned-bi polar and asked the shrink at work.
She said that this personality trait was to do with a person that goes from one absolute extreme to another-could be in bed without energy for days and then be on top of the world unable to sleep because of the extreme energy found.
I think maybe your wife has something there.
Best regards, Dean.