In Attar's 'Elahi Nameh', the encounter between a sage and Dhul-Qarnayn (Alexander the Great) contrasts outward imperial conquest with inward self-rectification. While Dhul-Qarnayn seeks to conquer and 'straighten' the remaining half of the physical world, the sage advises that true justice and wisdom lie in straightening one's own inner 'vein' (representing the ego and earthly desires). Since worldly life is fleeting and death is inevitable, pursuing external domination is futile; instead, a person should prioritize conquering their own lower self and preparing for the eternal afterlife.