Quintus Curtius

Ten General Principles Of Conflict

04 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Recent events have prompted some reflection on general principles of conflict. In this podcast we discuss ten of them.

Love, Sloth, And Free Will

14 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss love, sloth, and free will in the context of Canto 18 of Dante's "Purgatorio." What is the nature of love, and how does it...

Give It Time

17 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We begin with a few recommendations on books and resources to use in understanding Dante's "Divine Comedy." Then we switch gears, and get into the me...

Rights That Have Been Won, Do Not Automatically Remain Won

21 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rights and liberties that have been won by past generations will not remain won without active and forceful advocacy by successive generations. Syste...

You Have No Right To Turn Away

15 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In an 1842 letter to Ralph Waldo Emerson, the Scottish writer Thomas Carlyle chastised Emerson, saying, "A man has no right to say to his generation, ...

The Aftermath Of Battle

12 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast I describe unforgettable images that emerge from the aftermaths of certain battles. We discuss Livy's description of the battlefield ...

In The Same Meadow

05 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we take a quote from Seneca, discuss its meaning, and apply it to some modern life lessons.

Who Frontinus Was, Why He Is Important, And Why You Should Read Him

30 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Several days ago I published a new, annotated translation of the "Stratagems" of Frontinus. It is a vastly underappreciated classic of military theor...

The Story of Akulka's Husband (Podcast)

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss the story of "Akulka's Husband," which is found in Fyodor Dostoyevsky's novel "The House of the Dead." What does the story...

When Someone Else Has Control Of Your Work, Problems Inevitably Arise

09 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When you give control of your work to third parties, you must take care that they do not corrupt or destroy what you have created. We use the story o...

When A Neighbor's House Burns, Neglected Fires Tend To Gain Strength

26 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We tend to think that the problems of others do not affect us. But we are all connected in one way or another. And when your neighbor's house in on ...

Sometimes Winning Is Not Enough

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes even a decisive victory is not enough. Your victory may immediately be followed by greater challenges that test you to the ultimate limit. ...

Book Review: "General Eoin O'Duffy: The Political Life Of An Irish Firebrand" (Podcast)

08 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 bri...

If You're Not Losing, You're Not Learning

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 sal...

The Branches Of Government And Their Responsibilities

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we describe the three branches of the United States government, their responsibilities, and some related details.

The Times Must Be Right For Extraordinary Characters

05 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For a great personality to flourish and find expression, the historical times must be favorable. History is filled with examples of great men who wit...

How To Offer People Hope And Inspiration

02 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 techniqu...

With More Success Come More Responsibilities And Burdens

28 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Some people think that as they become wealthier and more successful, their lives will resemble that of an idle aristocrat. The reality is very differ...

The Calculus Of Survival (Podcast)

31 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

A Very Tragic Story

06 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I recently watched a compelling four-part Netflix documentary entitled "Crime Scene: The Vanishing At The Cecil Hotel." I had never heard of the Eli...

The Preface To "Centuries": A Reading

29 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My new collection of essays, "Centuries," was published on June 23, 2024. It contains all pieces published between 2020 and 2023. The book is curren...

Thoughts On Friedrich Nietzsche

22 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 tho...

You Can't Separate The Message From The Messenger

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 choosin...

How Do You Define Success?

02 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we discuss a very revealing video that appeared on YouTube a few weeks back. Someone who prioritizes materialism and appearances is ...

Let Us Never Despair

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Seconds Away From Armageddon: The Story Of Submarine K-129

13 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How To Destroy Your Business

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Importance Of Direct Experience

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 chan...

How Should I Pray?

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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, n...

Do Things Stay Professional, Or Do They Get Personal?

03 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I receive an email asking about the personal and professional aspects of litigation. Do things stay professional, or can things get personal? I offe...

You Have To Embrace Your Failures!

27 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 h...

Stop Being Afraid Of Everything!

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Do You Believe In Yourself?

13 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 underappre...

Sometimes The Game Is Rigged Against You

16 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

A Selection Of Latin Readings

24 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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.

Gratitude Links To Attitude

14 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 p...

The New Translation of Cicero's "On The Nature Of The Gods" Is Now Available

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 audiobo...

The "Excessive Questions Warrior"

13 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There is a certain personality type that anyone offering a service is aware of: the Excessive Questions Warrior. This is someone who peppers you wil...

Lack Of Compliance With The Small Things Spells Trouble With The Big Things

05 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

"Oppenheimer": A Movie Review

30 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A review of Christopher Nolan's new movie, "Oppenheimer" (2023). We discuss its positives and minor negatives. This is a rewarding film experience a...

Service Is Our Purpose

25 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 manki...

The Qualities Of The Good Attorney

28 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is a reading of my article of 5/27/2023, "The Qualities Of The Good Attorney." (https://qcurtius.com/2023/05/27/the-qualities-of-the-good-attorne...

Synesius's Wise Advice On Kingship

21 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is a reading of my essay "Synesius's Wise Advice On Kingship" that was published on 5/20/2023: https://qcurtius.com/2023/05/20/synesiuss-wise-ad...

Italica

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is a reading of Quintus Curtius's essay "Italica." The original article can be found here: https://qcurtius.com/2023/05/13/italica/

Vegetius Discusses The Importance Of The Martial Virtues

07 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is the author's reading of his essay, "Vegetius Discusses The Importance Of The Martial Virtues," published on May 6, 2023: (https://qcurtius.com...

The Leadership Principles Of Iphicrates

30 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

History distinguishes the Athenian general Iphicrates for the superlative quality of his leadership, the extent of his martial innovations, and his un...

Better Exile Than Submission: The Passion Of Dante Alighieri

23 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is a reading of the essay "Better Exile Than Submission: The Passion of Dante Alighieri" by Quintus Curtius. Publijshed on www.qcurtius.com on ...

The Inviolability Of The Artist's Work

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The world recently learned that the estate of British author Roald Dahl actually allowed a team of censors to purge words and phrases from the author'...

How Do I Expand My Social Circle In A Foreign Country?

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A reader who is living abroad in France is finding it difficult to meet new people. He has no desire to hang around with expats. People always rever...

The Haunted Palace (A Poem By Edgar Allan Poe)

15 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is a reading of Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Haunted Palace."

You've Got The Job: Now Get In There And Do It

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A reader asks a question. He has just been assigned to a new position of great responsibility. The previous occupant of this position was a man much...

You Can't Stampede People (Podcast)

02 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A young woman from a conservative culture asks a relationship question. She is very fond of her boyfriend, an American man. She wants to move things...

The Opossum

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A reader asks a question about the 1982 movie "First Blood." Why, he asks, was Sheriff Teasle so hostile to John Rambo? What could have been his rea...

Revisitations

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We should periodically "revisit" things that once meant something to us years earlier. Every 7 to 10 years or so, we grow significantly in outlook, p...

You Declare Yourself

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Some guys think that they need to wait for some magical confluence of circumstances to exist before they can pursue their goals. The world doesn't wo...

Not As Bad As You Think, But Different From What You Think

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our minds often play tricks on us. We come to believe things are much worse than they really are. Once we get through what we're worried about, we r...

"You're Supposed To Do Something About It"

31 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

At the end of the movie "The Maltese Falcon," Sam Spade explains his personal code to Mary Astor. He tells her, "When your partner is killed, you're ...

The Declaration Of Independence (A Reading)

03 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast is a reading of the text of the Declaration of Independence, one of the keystone documents of the American Revolution.

Do Not Accept Half-Confidences!

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of John Paul Jones's leadership principles was this: don't accept "half-confidences" from people. This means that if you are in charge, you have...

You Have Agency

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are some who see themselves as twigs spinning endlessly in mighty rivers, or as tufts of grass being blown around by the winds. There are also ...

Silence: A Fable (Podcast Reading Of A Tale By Edgar Allan Poe)

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast is a reading of the short story "Silence: A Fable" by Edgar Allan Poe. Published in 1838, it is a very short, mysterious prose poem wit...

You Don't Know To A Certainty

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Some guys look upon knowledge with a purely utilitarian view. They think that if something is not helping them that very instant, then it has no valu...

Heaven And Hell Can Change Places Very Quickly

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Most people never realize that good fortune can be suddenly and brutally replaced by bad fortune. What once seemed like heaven can quickly be transfo...

Clausewitz's "Coup d'Oeil": That Special Knack

03 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The military theorist Carl Von Clausewitz used the term "coup d'oeil" to describe a special, innate ability to grasp the military possibilities presen...

Focusing On What Matters

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss the importance of focusing on what matters, not on what does not matter. We illustrate this principle with a few anecdotes...

"I'm Not Sure If She's The Right One"

18 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A young reader from Britain has a question about his relationship with his girlfriend. He wants something long-term, but has some nagging doubts as t...

The Gradual Slide Into Moral Corruption

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss Alexandre Moratto's 2021 film "Seven Prisoners." The movie describes the experience of a young man named Matheus, who is b...

Increased Opportunities, Increased Temptations

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to learning, were things better back in the 1980s and 1990s, or are they better now? How has the internet contributed to the "instant g...

Never Mind What Others Think...What Do YOU Think?

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Far too often, we base our opinions on what we absorb from others. But if you have done the homework, if you have done the heavy lifting, and if you ...

"Tusculan Disputations": What It Is About, And Why It Is Important

25 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast I discuss my new translation of Cicero's "Tusculan Disputations." The work deals with five critical problems that face all of us: the...

"I'm Thinking Of Publishing A Memoir"

20 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A veteran of Afghanistan has a memoir he is trying to put together. He's asking for some tips on how to publish it. We offer some suggestions and co...

Coping With The Loss Of A Child

01 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we discuss a serious subject. A reader explains that his family has just lost a young child, and he is searching for advice on how t...

Illusions Of Fitness, Delusions Of Preparedness

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we talk about the need for true, well-rounded fitness. Some think that getting bulked up in the gym makes them "fit" and ready to tak...

"The Black Russian": Lessons Learned From A Fascinating Life

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss Vladimir Alexandrov's book "The Black Russian," and what lessons we may conclude from it. Frederick Bruce Thomas was a bla...

Small Twitter Account Gold: Tweet Reading 1

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, I read some of the recent great tweets I've noticed from small accounts on Twitter. Small Twitter accounts are a refreshing break fr...

Exploring Small Twitter Accounts

01 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I've been exploring small Twitter accounts lately. And when I say "small," I generally mean accounts that have less than 50 followers. You'd be surp...

The Sea-Raiders (A Story by H.G. Wells)

02 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast is a reading of H.G. Wells's grisly tale, "The Sea Raiders." An unknown species of man-eating squid terrorizes the inhabitants near Dev...

"How Do I Transition From Youth To Middle Age?"

20 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A reader emails me and asks for advice and guidance on how to navigate the passage from youth to middle age. But there are no magic answers, no magic...

"Should I Reopen A Closed Chapter?"

13 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A reader reaches out to ask a question that's been troubling him. He was recently re-contacted by an ex-girlfriend from several years ago. She appea...

"If They Had Lived Up To The Responsibilities That Went With The Privileges"

27 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The distinguishing feature of our "leaders" today is their near total disregard for putting the mission ahead of themselves. They are unwilling to ri...

Sometimes You Have To Make Allowances For People

13 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes you have to accept the flaws and issues that people have, in order to accomplish the greater good. If you are in a leadership position, the...

The Lack Of Thankfulness

06 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There are many people who manifest a lack of thankfulness in their daily lives. This comes across not only in how they treat others, but in how they ...

Sometimes You Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

31 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you are out there pursuing your goals, overcoming obstacles, and blasting through barriers, there will be times when you take on more than you can ...

Do The Job You Were Assigned To Do

08 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When you are in a position of leadership or responsibility, you must carry out your duties. You don't have a choice: the mission comes first. Too...

Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

22 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A reader writes to ask for advice on whether he should travel to the US to attend college. His family wants him to stay where he is, but he longs for...

"Am I Too Quiet And Withdrawn?"

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A 20-year-old man working in law enforcement tends to be quiet and introverted. He's serious and goal-oriented. Some of his colleagues mistakenly pu...

Should I Start A Business?

18 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A reader who was a professional poker player for a number of years is getting restless. He wants to start a business, but has some questions about ho...

"I Need A Source" Meme Reading

09 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A reading of the "I Need A Source" meme by by friend @Ardeamus. Enjoy.

Two Questions: Different Virtues, And Book Lists

07 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we answer two recent questions from readers. One question deals with the virtues, and the other question relates to recommended books...

Some Recent Questions

27 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, I answer some recent questions on a variety of subjects: family, relationships, homelessness, and school choices.

Thomas Gray's "Elegy Written In A Country Churchyard"

02 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast is a reading of Thomas Gray's poem "Elegy Written In A Country Churchyard."

Th Multimixer Moment

05 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In life there are certain crisis points that may lead to fateful decisions. Recognizing these points, and acting decisively when they are reached, is...

Do Not Surrender The Playing Field

21 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There are too many who are too quick to leave the field, give up, and throw in the towel. When you do that, you forfeit the game to the other side. ...

Take Responsibility For What You Do

06 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you've been assigned a job or a position, take responsibility for what you do. Form your plans, put them into action, and stand by your decisions ...

The G Manifesto Tweet Readings: Herd Immunity Edition

15 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We're back, and pushing for herd immunity! It's July 14, 2020. And here is the latest installment of the authorized G Manifesto (Twitter: @MichaelP...

Thoughts On "Apocalypse Now"

06 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss the movie "Apocalypse Now," We deal with the problematic shooting of the film, the choices of actors, and aspects of the s...

Plato's Five Components Of Happiness

25 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast I answer an email from a reader. He enjoyed a great job as a bartender before the Covid crisis hit, and now has to go back to work wi...

The World Provides Necessities

18 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The world is a provider of necessities. Just when you think you've hit rock bottom, things have a way of turning around if you keep fighting and stay...

"The Ring Of Thoth" (A Tale Of The Supernatural by A. Conan Doyle)

06 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast is a reading of A. Conan Doyle's tale of the supernatural, "The Ring Of Thoth." First published in 1890, it recounts the horrific conseq...

You Have To Make The Call

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When you are leading, you have to make the big decisions. You have to make the call, not sit back and cover your ass. That's why you're there. In th...