23rd February 2025
(Repeated many times but still worth a read )
Alexander, after conquering many kingdoms, was returning home.
On the way, he fell ill. With death staring him in his face, Alexander realized how his conquests, his great army, his sharp sword & all his wealth were of no consequence.
He now longed to reach home to see his mother’s face & bid her his last 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 & pale, helplessly waiting to breathe his last.
He called his generals and said, “I will depart from this world soon,
I have 3 wishes, please carry them out without fail.”
With tears flowing down their cheeks, the generals agreed to abide by their king’s last wishes.
“My first desire is that, 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 & precious stones which I have collected in my treasury.
The king felt exhausted after saying this. He took a minute’s rest and continued. “My 3rd & 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.
Alexander’s favorite general kissed his hand & pressed them to his heart. “O king, we assure you that your wishes will all be fulfilled, But tell us why do you make such strange wishes?”
At this Alexander took a deep breath & said: “I would like the world to know of the 3 lessons I have learnt. I want my physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that no
doctor can really cure any body. They are powerless & cannot save a person from the clutches of death. So, let not people take life for granted .
The 2nd wish of strewing gold, silver & other riches on the way to the graveyard is to tell People that not even a fraction of gold will come with me. 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.
My 3rd wish of having my hands dangling out of the coffin, I wish people to know that I came empty handed into this
world & empty handed I go out of this world.”
With these words, the king closed his eyes. Soon he let death conquer him & breathed his last
I agree with Alexander’s 3 wishes; however, I beg to differ with the last Wish; that you leave with nothing.
We go without “things,” but we can leave behind memories with people we have encountered & of the good that we do.
We can leave our mark on the hearts of family, friends, colleagues & society.
If you have a chance to bring someone joy, do it!
A moment and a robust experience or interaction can last a lifetime.
Ask yourself, if this is how riches in life are genuinely valued, what’s your worth?
Create awesome memories & stay blessed forever.