1) IntroductionThe three most important figures that have been discussed so far in HIST 1409 are Aristotle, Alexander the Great and Augustus. These three individuals are the most important people covered in the course thus far, as they are some of the best examples in the history of their respective professions. Aristotle was arguably the greatest mind in history and had ideas far ahead of his time. Alexander the Great was one of the best military commanders in history, as he expanded his empire until his own troops grew tired of fighting. Augustus is the standard for modern rulers, as he led Rome to prosper under his autocratic rule.2) AristotleAristotle, who lived from 384 to 322 BCE, was a student of another famous Greek thinker, Plato, and was himself a philosopher who studied everything from psychology to theater. Aristotle, born in the small Greek town of Stagira, went to Athens in 367 BCE and studied at Plato's academy until his death in 347. Aristotle later mentored a young Alexander the Great between 342 and 339 approximately and founded his own school, the Lycée. , in 335. Two of Aristotle's best-known works are Nicomachean Ethics and Politics, where he asserts that "the study of the good life for the individual and the good life for the State are inseparable" (Patterns , 145). Aristotle also did not believe in everything, like his mentor Plato, preferring to base his views on empiricism rather than metaphysics. 3) Contemporary influence of Aristotle The influence of Aristotle can be observed in almost all eras of the story that followed his death more than 2,300 years ago. . In the Middle Ages, thinkers used Aristotle's work as a kind of "final authority on all kinds of questions" (Patterns, 141). In the 16th and 17th centuries, philosophers had to first grapple... middle of paper ......eat was a great military mind who spread Greek culture throughout the modern Middle East. Augustus was one of the greatest leaders in history and led the Roman Empire from a period of civil war to an era of prosperity. All three left lasting impacts that extend throughout history to the present day and are worth studying in the years to come. Works Cited Trulove, Sarah Chappell. Patterns in Western Civilization. Boston, MA: Pearson CustomPub., 2007. Print. “The Internet Classics Archive.” The Internet Classics Archive | The Acts of the DivineAugustus by Augustus. Internet. February 14, 2014. “The influence of Aristotle.” Stanford University. Stanford University, Web. February 13, 2014. “Aristotle (384-322 BCE). » UCMP Berkeley. Internet. February 14, 2014. “Alexander the Great.” Changing Minds.org. Internet. February 14, 2014. “Alexander the Great.” Princeton University. Internet. February 14. 2014.