When Alexander the Great was twelve years old, his father, the king of Macedonia, purchased a prized horse named Bucephalus at a great price. He brought his son and courtiers to the training grounds to test-ride it.
However, whenever anyone tried to mount the horse, it stiffened, kicked violently, and refused to let anyone ride. The king grew angry, declaring that the horse was no prize but a useless, untamable beast.
At that moment, young Alexander stepped forward and said he would try riding it. His father chuckled, and the courtiers laughed at the boy’s boldness. But Alexander quietly took the horse by the reins and turned it to face the sun. Then he walked beside it, gently stroking its neck. The horse quickly calmed down. With a graceful leap, Alexander mounted and rode it with ease.
Astonished, the king asked, “How did you manage that?”
Alexander replied, “I noticed the horse was frightened by us—and by its own shadow. So I turned it to face the sun.”
Moved by his son’s keen observation and wisdom, the king exclaimed,
“Macedonia is far too small for you. Go and create a kingdom of your own.”