The H2 Sierra From Delta2Alpha: A Very Impressive Knife
Some comments on the H2 Sierra folding knife. This recording accompanies the written review of this knife that appears on my site on December 3, 2016.
Dec 03, 2016•6 min
Quintus Curtius
Quintus Curtius is an attorney, writer, translator, and former Marine officer. His books deal with a variety of ethical, moral, and character topics, using examples in history, biography, literature, and philosophy. The result is both unique and inspiring. His podcasts are his personal dialogues with listeners.
He can be found at www.qcurtius.com
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Episodes
Homesickness And "Saudade"
What is homesickness, and how can it be dealt with? What does the word "saudade" mean in Brazilian Portuguese? We discuss these subjects and some related issues.
Nov 27, 2016•13 min
Some Writers Just Speak To You
A reader asks whether I like Cicero more than other writers, and wants to know my opinions on Seneca and Marcus Aurelius. This leads to larger questions about feeling kinship with certain writers. This podcast was brought to you courtesy of delta2alpha.com
Nov 17, 2016•22 min
We Don't Know The Struggles That Other People Have
A recent experience reminded me that we should not be too quick to judge others. We really don't know all the struggles or burdens that the other man may have in his background. This is why we should try, whenever possible, to look at things from others' perspectives.
Nov 12, 2016•12 min
The Most Incredible Election Since 1860
In its character and results, the 2016 U.S. presidential election was perhaps the most incredible contest since the fragmented 1860 election. Donald Trump's coming challenges, though, may be the greatest test of his life.
Nov 09, 2016•7 min
Gaining And Maintaining Confidence
A reader explains that he often struggles with confidence and self-esteem issues. We offer some suggestions and perspectives. The truth is that while no one has all the answers, some techniques have proven to be effective.
Oct 29, 2016•20 min
Why Consoling Friends Is Important
When we see a friend is hurting, is it better to try to console him, or to ignore his problem?
Oct 18, 2016•18 min
Fear Or Love? The Views Of Cicero And Machiavelli (Podcast)
Is it better to be feared or loved? This famous question is more nuanced than people think, and was addressed specifically by Cicero in "On Duties" as well as by Machiavelli in his "Prince" and "Discourses." Yet there has been much oversimplification and misunderstanding on this subject. We also discuss whether Stoicism lends itself to passivity and fatalism.
Oct 08, 2016•28 min
Travel Advice For Young People. Looking For Sympathy From Others (Podcast)
A reader asks for some travel advice for a young guy in his 20s who has never done much traveling before. In an unrelated question, we discuss why it's not a good idea to look for sympathy from your woman when you're feeling down or depressed.
Oct 02, 2016•31 min
Five Lessons Drawn From Recent Emails
Out of some recent emails, I've extracted five lessons that are worth remembering.
Sep 29, 2016•18 min
How To Avoid Burnout (Along With A Hidden Question)
The question here is: "How do I avoid burnout?" But--as is often the case--I sense a hidden question lurking below the surface here that deals with isolation and loneliness. We discuss some answers.
Sep 17, 2016•19 min
Why You Shouldn't "Stay In Your Lane"
So-called "experts" and pundits will always try to pigeon-hole you. They will try to categorize you as they see fit, in order to make themselves feel good. If you are pursuing your passions or mission, you'll notice people trying to "put you in your place." Some alleged expert will likely try to cut you down. Don't listen to them, and don't be intimidated by their perceived air of authority. The man in the arena is the one who drives history. It is not the critic or the hater. Do what you need t...
Sep 10, 2016•21 min
The Mystery Of The Vanishing Men
A recent article on NPR claims to be mystified by the exodus of men from the workforce. Men seem to be dropping out of society in record numbers. Does NPR correctly identify the reasons? Or is there a spiritual crisis in masculinity?
Sep 08, 2016•13 min
Wisdom, Intelligence, Education, And Leaving A Job
We deal with a few questions received from readers. 1. What are the differences between wisdom and intelligence? 2. Is the educational system becoming more commercialized? 3. Is modern education too commercial? 4. I left a bad employment situation and don't really know how to feel about it. What should I do?
Sep 03, 2016•25 min
"Someone's Lecturing Me On How To Be A Parent"
A reader is annoyed that someone is trying to tell him how he should approach and think about his parental responsibilities. This person is appears to be crossing lines of decorum, but I suspect there is more to the story here.
Aug 25, 2016•19 min
"This We Do Not Tolerate"
We discuss a moral problem that arose in Japanese prison camps in the Second World War. We discuss how the same moral issue is relevant today, and what Cicero's response to it would have been. What duty is owed to our fellow man? When does the pursuit of self-interest go too far?
Aug 19, 2016•20 min
Is The World Worse Today Than It Used To Be?
We often get the impression that the world is in chaos, and that the proverbial sky is falling down. Yet our perceptions are distorted by factors that we often fail to appreciate. We discuss some of them.
Aug 13, 2016•16 min
"Am I Too Indecisive?"
A reader has a high-powered job and functions well in it. But he's worried that he's too indecisive in his personal life. We suggest some things to consider.
Aug 03, 2016•17 min
Idealism vs. Practicality In Career Choices: How To Find The Balance
When choosing or pursuing a career, should we base our decision on "idealism" or on "practicality"? What is the balance between doing what you love and what can earn you a living? And how do we find this balance? We explore some answers.
Jul 29, 2016•24 min
Three Reader Questions Discussed
We address the following reader questions: 1. Are men becoming "infantilized" in today's society? 2. What is the difference between a "loser" and someone who is just going through a rough period? 3. Do women "dislike" male self-improvement?
Jul 23, 2016•22 min
Greatness Of Soul: Becoming A Man Of Substance
"On Duties" deals with a very large number of topics. One of the most important unifying threads of the book is the idea of "greatness of soul." What is it? Why is it relevant? Note: The second passage I discuss is "On Duties" I.44 (I accidentally gave the incorrect citation number in the podcast).
Jul 16, 2016•16 min
A Couple Questions
Two questions are dealt with in this podcast. One reader has a question about procrastination. Another reader has an interpretation question about a passage from "On Duties."
Jul 13, 2016•23 min
How Do I Know If My Goals Are Unrealistic?
A reader is concerned that he may be setting expectations and goals for himself that are not in accord with reality or practicality. He is wondering if he should make adjustments, but does't really know if he's just at a sticking point, or if he should change course altogether. I offer four suggestions for him to think about.
Jul 02, 2016•22 min
How Should I Decide What Career Path To Take?
A 23-year-old reader in a European country is undecided what career path to take. He has narrowed down his choices training in art or training in law. But he's not sure which one is best for him. I offer my own thoughts, and then some thoughts gleaned from my translation of Cicero's "On Duties" (which is now available on Amazon.)
Jun 28, 2016•25 min
Conduct, Obligations, And Decision-Making: Details Of My New Book "On Duties"
My new book, "On Duties," is the most explanatory, readable, and well-organized translation of Cicero's classic that is available in English, and perhaps in any language. I provide the three reasons why this is so. I also discuss the great theme running through the book: the idea of greatness of spirit. What is greatness of spirit, and why is it important?
Jun 25, 2016•27 min
How Did We Get To Be Where We Are Now?
A reader notes that the previous generations failed to prevent the corruption and decay afflicting the US in the modern era. How did this happen? The short answer is that wealth and ease breed laziness and corruption. Tune in for more details.
Jun 21, 2016•22 min
Get Moving And Keep Moving
A young man from Australia writes that he feels a general malaise and depression, and finds it difficult to get motivated. I offer some blunt talk to put things in perspective. I also provide some specific guidance on how he can break out of his old patterns.
Jun 11, 2016•23 min
Intuition Or Deliberation?
A reader wants to know how reliable his intuition is. Should he rely on it, or should he instead fall back on his powers of rational analysis and deliberation? It's a great question.
Jun 08, 2016•15 min
How Can I Get Motivated?
A follower on Twitter says that he's finding it hard to get and stay motivated. He wants to know what things he can do to keep up his intensity level.
Jun 02, 2016•16 min
How Should I Leave My Corporate Job?
An engineer wants to know the best way he should leave his high-paying but low-satisfaction job, and start his own business. Are some ways better than others? What considerations should he be thinking about?
May 26, 2016•15 min
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