Who was the greatest leader in history? | Dan Carlin and Lex Fridman

easy it’s Aragorn son of Arathorn

Alexander led from the front also and got injured all the time. While having the best army, he faced overwhelmingly lopsided odds with him having far less numbers than his enemies and still being able to remain undefeated in battle. His tactics are still being studied at military schools. Good point though on the analogy of starting on third base.

'Great men are often not good men' very apt quote looking broadly at history's most influential actors. It's also why, for me, Marcus Aurelius stands out from most historical figures. He was philosophical and introspective, but also responsible and pro active in his duty to the Roman people. Meditations provides an incredible insight in the daily thoughts of someone who tried, above all else, to keep himself on the truest path he could conceive of. He's still my personal hero. The fact that he allowed his sociopath of a son to succeed him is so irrational and ill conceived that it honestly allows me to relate to him more. Despite all of his virtues, he had biases and blind spots, like the rest of us. He gets my vote every day of the week. Great discussion.

Never get why Cyrus never gets mentioned in these type of discussions. Literally did what Alex did but actually ruled an empire for a longer period and a left a stronger lasting foundation and legacy for the empire he started.

Skip Bayless would have said Michael Jordan.

These guys need to do a podcast every month. The chemistry is perfect

Dan Carlin got me through some seriously long drives to and from work and college back in the day. Hardcore history is one of the best things ever made.

I agree that Philip set the stage for Alexander but never in a million years would Philip have imagined going as far as Alexander did and being outnumbered in all his battles and a lot of them would’ve been lost if it wasn’t for Alexander’s strategic acumen and the loyalty he inspired in his soldiers

Aurelian is so underrated. Dude restored the entire Roman empire. Taking back lost provinces one by one

Napoleon was a self made emperor.

How does Noone mention Marcus!? A man from humble beginnings, arguably the most powerful leader ever. And ruled with duality. Fierce leader with empathy and compassion

Genguis Khan, simply because he’s one of the few conquerors in history that after his dead his empire didn’t fall, it became even more powerful because of the Pax Mongolica his son Toloui created because of his father’s will, it was perfected by his grandson Kublai…also his empire was the greatest of all time in terms of conquered land from all of China and Korea all the way to the plains of Hungary..

Dan's voice is perfect for his podcast. He is an amazing storyteller.

Khan grew up outside the village with his mother. Down by the river

There’s a good reason the Romans had so much respect for Alexander. He has the best ratio of victories of all time with 22 wins and 0 losses conquering up to 40% the world’s population. He didn’t even get a chance to rule from home, and yet he brilliantly adopted the customs of the cultures he conquered to become more accepted, becoming the pharaoh of Egypt, king of Persia, etc. while also hellenizing the known world. He founded over a dozen cities and several important trade routes that basically connected the West to India and China, and founded what would become the largest metropolis of the world at the time (Alexandria) all in 6 years. He didn’t even get the chance to a secure a long lasting empire, and still, many historians argue that his legacy is unmatched.

Love the nuances mentioned, and how delving deep into history provides great context to the simple narratives that at times get passed down!

Napleon Bonaparte did a lot as one human being. Basically created modern day Europe out the ashes of his empire. Yes, known military general but he also did a lot of administrative work. He also was never given anything other than a military school during revolutionary France as a privilege, other than that he pretty much conquered Europe and held it for awhile. I just don't believe fudealism would of been abolished as fast as it would across Europe without his actions whether directly or all the way up into the Russian Revolution with serfs. It was just so critical to common enlightenment. That said he still had all the bodies and blunders of any man in total power and it's always easier to discuss the pros when the deaths are basically too old and detached from today's reality.

Speaking about morals, a great leader and philosophy and no mention of Marcus Aurelius?

Cyrus the Great, Aurelian, Hatshepsut and Ozymandias deserve some recognition and respect.

So glad he brought up the truth about Alexander, it's so seldom talked about but what his father built might have been the single greatest officer corps of all time.