Sometimes even a decisive victory is not enough. Your victory may immediately be followed by greater challenges that test you to the ultimate limit. There is no such thing as reaching an "end zone." We discuss the Battle of Cunaxa in 401 B.C., where the Greek mercenaries of Cyrus won the battle, but immediately realized that their fight for survival had just begun. One man, a natural leader named Xenophon the Athenian, then stepped forward to assume the responsibility of command.
May 02, 2025•10 min
This podcast is a book review of "General Eoin O'Duffy: The Political Life Of An Irish Firebrand," by Jack Traynor. This book is a scholarly but brief political biography of a key figure of Irish politics from the War of Independence through the end of the 1930s. We discuss the book and its subject matter, and venture some thoughts. What does O'Duffy's life teach us about the influence of character on a man's fate?
Mar 08, 2025•18 min
If you encounter someone who claims to have a perfect record, and says he has never lost in some field of endeavor, take the claim with a grain of salt. Statements like this often do not tell the whole story. If you want to learn and grow, you need to know that you're going to lose. And you will probably lose a lot! Someone with a perfect record may not have taken sufficient risks. If you cherry-pick all your battles, and never challenge yourself, you're not going to learn and grow.
Feb 26, 2025•8 min
In this podcast we describe the three branches of the United States government, their responsibilities, and some related details.
Feb 11, 2025•17 min
For a great personality to flourish and find expression, the historical times must be favorable. History is filled with examples of great men who withered in obscurity simply because the periods in which they lived were unable to hear their voices. Greatness can only accomplish so much; it must be nurtured by propitious events.
Jan 05, 2025•10 min
As a leader or someone responsible for another person, you will need to offer people hope when they are in dire situations. You have to find techniques and strategies for alleviating people's stress and anxiety, and for taking them across the finish line. We discuss some of these techniques that I've learned from practicing law for twenty-five years.
Nov 02, 2024•12 min
Some people think that as they become wealthier and more successful, their lives will resemble that of an idle aristocrat. The reality is very different. With more success come more work, and more responsibilities, not less. You will have to develop a whole new set of skills to adapt to these changed circumstances. But you can do it.
Sep 28, 2024•10 min
What are the traits and qualities that enable a man to survive in extreme adversity? How do different factors increase or decrease a man's odds? We weigh the competing variables, and try to arrive at some conclusions.
Aug 31, 2024•19 min
I recently watched a compelling four-part Netflix documentary entitled "Crime Scene: The Vanishing At The Cecil Hotel." I had never heard of the Elisa Lam story before, and I was struck by how tragic it was, on so many levels. In this podcast, I try to explain why. What are your thoughts? What do you think about it?
Jul 06, 2024•18 min
My new collection of essays, "Centuries," was published on June 23, 2024. It contains all pieces published between 2020 and 2023. The book is currently available in both paperback and Kindle, and a hardcover version will be coming shortly. This podcast is a reading from the book's preface. It contains some of the ideas I consider most important.
Jun 29, 2024•12 min
Nietzsche is one of the most popular and discussed philosophers. I wanted to give my own thoughts on his life, ideas, and place in the history of thought.
Jun 22, 2024•26 min
Some people think the only thing that matters is what a teacher or instructor says, not what their character is. I don't agree with this. In choosing a teacher or instructor, we have to remember that character and integrity are all-important. Nothing good can ever come from moral corruption, as Cicero has said. You have to look carefully at a man's track record, background, and conduct to get an accurate assessment of his character.
Jun 05, 2024•11 min
In this podcast, we discuss a very revealing video that appeared on YouTube a few weeks back. Someone who prioritizes materialism and appearances is confronted by another man who has a very different value system. The resulting clash between the two of them is highly revealing.
Jun 02, 2024•23 min
What is the origin of despair? And how may it be confronted? We provide some answers to these questions, and related ones, in this podcast. The man of virtue and fortitude will never abandon himself to despair.
May 24, 2024•9 min
Kenneth Sewell's cogent and well-argued book "Red Star Rogue" claims that on March 7, 1968, a rogue Soviet submarine destroyed itself while attempting to launch its ballistic missiles at Honolulu. What actually happened aboard the K-129? Why has the incident been kept secret for so many years? The history of this terrifying event is discussed. Sewell's book reminds us that, at any given time, the world truly walks along the edge of a straight razor.
Apr 13, 2024•25 min
Why do some businesses do inexplicable things that harm their brands? How is it that they do not appreciate the need to stay loyal to their customers or clients? What are the consequences of these failures? We take a look at how Colt Firearms, an iconic American brand, made a series of decisions in the 1980s and 1990s that caused it major harm.
Apr 01, 2024•16 min
There are people who feel starved for direct, real experience. They see themselves as living a lie, and are desperate to fill the void. So they channel their energies into avenues that offer little in terms of real value: "life coaches," counselors, nutrition "experts," etc. What they are really lacking is the inner satisfaction that comes from knowing one has had real, direct, and meaningful life experiences.
Mar 27, 2024•8 min
A reader asks a question I've never heard before: "How should I pray?" I offer some thoughts and suggestions that relate to: 1. Focus on process, not on end results. 2. Focus on the daily habits that will reinforce your purpose. 3. Remember the old saying, "Appeal to Athena, but also move your arms."
Mar 13, 2024•14 min
I receive an email asking about the personal and professional aspects of litigation. Do things stay professional, or can things get personal? I offer some thoughts and comments from the trenches of the legal world.
Feb 03, 2024•14 min
A reader emails me with a question about a painful failure he just experienced. He wants to know if I've experienced similar setbacks, and how I've handled them. I give my thoughts on the subject, and arrive at some general rules.
Jan 27, 2024•13 min
So many people today are totally possessed by their fears. Our society encourages this way of thinking. They take counsel of their fears, they stoke their fears, and they let their fears control their minds. The result is permanent stagnation. Stop being ruled by worry and fear. Break free of this mentality, and learn to have the confidence that you will handle anything that comes your way.
Jan 23, 2024•9 min
A reader asks a question about his personal situation. He feels like he's working harder and harder, but not getting ahead. He also feels underappreciated by his in-laws, for whom he has done a lot. But instead of worrying about the opinions of others, maybe he should be focusing on his own opinion of himself. And then, he'll know what he needs to do.
Jan 13, 2024•13 min
Sometimes the game is fixed against you. Sometimes what appears to be a level playing field, turns out to be a rigged game. What can be done in such situations? How does a man maintain his honor and dignity? We discuss.
Dec 16, 2023•15 min
In this podcast, I offer a short selection of Latin readings from Cornelius Nepos, Cicero, and Sallust, at the request of a follower on Twitter.
Nov 24, 2023•16 min
Gratitude is what determines our attitude and outlook on life. When we are imbued with a sense of thankfulness, when we look at the world from this perspective, doors open up for us. But if we see everything from a negative, grievance perspective, then we are unable to make progress--and in fact go backwards. We discuss an example.
Oct 14, 2023•14 min
Last week the new translation of Cicero's "On The Nature Of The Gods" was published. It is available in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle. An audiobook version will come out next month. This podcast explains what the book is about, why it is important, and the special features my translation has. You can find links to the book on my site, qcurtius.com.
Sep 04, 2023•16 min
There is a certain personality type that anyone offering a service is aware of: the Excessive Questions Warrior. This is someone who peppers you will extended, excessive questions about their issue, with an inordinate focus on your capabilities. The purpose is to exert control or dominance over the interaction. Such people are never going to hire you. Either someone trusts you and is willing to take guidance from you, or they do not. We discuss how to spot these types, and how to handle them....
Aug 13, 2023•13 min
If you are in a job where you have to deal with clients or the general public, be alert to the small clues or "tells" that reveal a person's state of mind and attitude. If a prospective client fails to show a willingness to comply with reasonable, basic rules, it almost always means the person is going to be a problem client. Do not ignore these subtle clues.
Aug 05, 2023•9 min
A review of Christopher Nolan's new movie, "Oppenheimer" (2023). We discuss its positives and minor negatives. This is a rewarding film experience and very much worth seeing.
Jul 30, 2023•16 min
Service to others is what gives life meaning. We were put on this Earth to contribute, to share, and to pass on what we know for the benefit of mankind. Every person has an instinctive, fundamental desire to teach and help others, and we should develop this instinct. Doing this will contribute to the positive energy in the world, and will come back to us in unexpected ways.
Jun 25, 2023•10 min
