Alexander of Macedonia, son of King Philip II of Macedon, was born into privilege. Legend has it that a Persian Magi, upon viewing the flames engulfing the temple of Artemis on the evening of Alexanderâ€™s birth ran through the streets shouting that woe and great calamity for Asia had been born that day. Philip, shaken by the incident, consulted the Oracle at Delphi for assurances about his newborn son. The Oracle at Delphi assured Philip that Alexander would one day be a great ruler.
Alexander at a young age learned all the skills of war, but became known as somewhat of a precocious child prodigy. Growing up in the kingâ€™s court, Philip was constantly surrounded by intrigue and suspense. Plans and threats of conquest filled his youth. Philip, wanting the best for his son, sent Alexander to study with Aristotle. Here, Alexander added to his ...view middle of the document...
Making his way to the acropolis , Alexander was followed by a great crowd. Anxious, they gathered to see the great king struggle with their famed puzzle as all had before him. The townspeople were not disappointed. For nearly two hours Alex racked his brain for a solution. Finally, in a fit of frustration he asked of his advisors, "What does it matter how I loose it." He drew his sword and, in a single spinning flourish, sliced the Gordian Knot open to reveal the ends hidden inside.
That night a wicked storm descended upon Gordium . Thunder raged and lightning crackled. Oracles and soothsayers gathered around. Alexander and the seers interpreted the storm as a sign that Zeus was pleased and would grant Alexanderâ€™s armies victory. The next day Alexander left Gordium and conquered the world.
Alexander solved his puzzle by approaching it in a new way. He was innovative. He was a thinker and a strategist, deserving of victory. The oracle had foretold that he who "luein the knot" would conquer. True to form as oracles are today, the oracleâ€™s prediction was ambiguous. In ancient Greek, the word luein meant "loosen" and "untie" and "unfasten." It also meant "solve" and "resolve" and "break up" and "cut" and "sunder." Everybody chose to interpret the oracle in the most obvious manner. Everyone except Alexander. He alone questioned the rote of loosening a knot without ends. The rest is history.
Gordian Solutions are contrary approaches to persistent or perplexing problems . Magic happens for those that see things in new ways. Gordian warriors cut through problems . They forge ahead. They apply intellect and look for innovative ways to seek advantage. A Gordian Solution yields victory. For this reason, the legend of the Gordian Knot, lives on in the Kingdom of Gordian,. Our modern warriors now wield sharp answers to the knotty business problems of today.
So, when facing a knotty business problem involving puzzling technology, seek a Gordian Solution to achieve a decisive advantage for your business.