Quintus Curtius
Episodes
The Door In The Wall (A Story By H.G. Wells)
21 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast is a reading of H.G. Wells's short story "The Door In The Wall." Published in 1911, it is considered one of his finest short pieces. It...
Two Poems: "Sailing To Byzantium" And "The Lake Isle At Innisfree"
12 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I read two short poems by William Butler Yeats. Listen, relax, and let your mind roam to some other place.
The Brazilian Cat. A Tale Of Terror By Sir A. Conan Doyle.
03 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast is a reading of A. Conan Doyle's terrifying tale "The Brazilian Cat." Published in 1898, the story describes the ordeal of a young heir ...
The Flowering Of The Strange Orchid
29 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I read H.G. Wells's short story "The Flowering of the Strange Orchid." It is a weird tale of imaginative fiction that relates the st...
A Sudden Punch To Shatter Glacial Rigmarole
23 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When things have reached a state of paralysis or gridlock, it is often necessary to shatter the paralysis by taking decisive, muscular action. Real l...
The Diamond Maker
17 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I read H.G. Wells's short story "The Diamond Maker." The tale raises questions about the price that creative people have to pay for ...
G Manifesto Tweet Reading: Lockdown Edition
07 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You asked for it, and you got it. This is the latest installment in the G Manifesto tweet reading podcasts, and it's called "Lockdown Edition." Tune...
The Six Most Important Leadership Principles
01 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I state what I believe are the six most critical leadership traits that anyone in a position of authority needs to master. They can be applied to nea...
You Will Be Judged
25 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This is a crucial moment. You will be judged by how you conduct yourself over the next few months. As for philosophy, you want to talk the talk, but...
Captain Adolf Von Schell On Leadership And Composure In Adversity
17 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Captain Adolf Von Schell was an infantry officer in the German Army during the First World War. In 1930 he gave a series of lectures on battle leader...
Having Too Many Choices, And Falling Into Ruts
10 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A reader has some questions about some possible choices in his life. We comment on this, and talk about: (1) how having too many choices can inhibit...
"Why Do I Feel Regret?"
01 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A reader asks why he feels pangs of regret for not yet being married and having a family. I respond by explaining that (1) everyone's path is differe...
Getting Your Mind Right
23 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Are you holding yourself accountable every day by living a good life, a productive life? Are you actions congruent with your words? We talk about th...
The Sources Of Anger
20 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we talk about the origins of anger, and how best to manage your anger issues. Most anger can be traceable to: Failure to hold yoursel...
How Art Can Inspire Great Deeds
13 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I talk about the documentary film "Sad Hill Unearthed," and what conclusions we should draw from it. The movie describes how four fr...
"Digest" Is Now Available
10 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
My book "Digest," a collection of my most important essays from 2016 to January 2020, has just been released. This podcast describes the book and its...
"I'm Thinking About Doing Something, But Don't Know If It's A Waste Of Time And Money"
30 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I often get questions from readers asking if they should do seminars, courses, retreats, take classes, or things like this. It's a great question. M...
Ringing In 2020: A New G Manifesto Tweet Reading
21 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We're ringing in the new year with another G Manifesto tweet reading (even though he's already in 2022). The topics are: custom suits, nootropics, g...
T.S. Eliot's "The Hollow Men": A Reading
14 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This is my reading of T.S. Eliot's immortal poem "The Hollow Men." It's one of my favorites. It becomes more relevant and compelling with every pass...
Movie Roundup (1/12/2020)(Podcast)
13 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this movie roundup we discuss "1917" (2019), "Earthquake Bird," (2019), and "Furthest Witness" (2017).
Movie Roundup (1/5/2020)
06 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this roundup, we discuss four recent movies: Mike Wallace Is Here (2019) Destroyer (2018) At Eternity's Gate (2019) Meeting Gorbachev (2018) Tu...
Thoughts On Surrealist Painting
21 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What is surrealist painting? In this podcast, I offer a few thoughts on surrealism in painting, and name a few of my favorite surrealist painters. T...
Thoughts On Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman"
15 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we discuss some aspects of Martin Scorsese's movie "The Irishman." This movie seems to divide people into proponents and detractors. ...
Some Recommended Movies And Programs (12/8/2019)
08 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we discuss some good movies and programs I've seen recently. "Dark Waters" (2019) is a legal drama dealing with corporate malfeasance...
More Michael Porfirio Tweet Readings
25 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a while since I've done a G Manifesto tweet reading. But popular demand can't be ignored, so I decided to put another podcast out with some...
The Loss Of Confidence, And The Infliction Of Shame
14 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Two things can be truly harmful to an individual or a society: the loss of a sense of confidence, and the acquisition of a consuming sense of shame. ...
What Do Young Men Want?
07 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What do young men really want? What impulses and motivations drive their thinking? I offer four fundamental necessities.
Footprints Leading In, But None Coming Out
23 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A reader is concerned that hanging around with a certain group of friends might get him into problems or trouble. He is unsure how to deal with the s...
It's Your Job To Set The Record Straight
10 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After reading Charles Leerhsen's excellent biography of baseball player Ty Cobb, it's clear that each of us is responsible for making sure that misinf...
Movie Roundup (10/5/2019)
05 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, we discuss two films: "Joker" (2019), and "The Killing Fields" (1984), both of which you should see.
Movie Roundup (9/28/2019)
28 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we discuss two movies: "Never Look Away" (2018), a German coming-of-age drama directed by Florian von Donnersmarck, and "Ad Astra" (2...
Two Recent Questions From Readers
11 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we deal with two recent emails. One email asks about the military: what lessons did I learn, and how did it change me. Another emai...
Where Have All The Leaders Gone?
28 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Does it sometimes seem as if there are no leaders of substance any more? That, as we look around the world, or around our nation, every so-called "le...
Two Questions From Readers: A Failed Relationship, And A Career Question
20 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We deal with two different questions from two different readers. The first question is from a girl who has recently broken up with her boyfriend, and...
MMA Fighter Carlo Prater Discusses Training, Preparation, And What Comes After
11 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast is a great conversation I had with my friend Carlo Prater, who has been an MMA fighter for 17 years. He discusses the mental steps he go...
"Should I Forgive An Abusive Father, And Re-Establish Contact With Him?"
04 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This is probably the most serious question I've ever received from a reader. A very heart-felt email from a man who is faced with an extremely diffic...
"How Should I Be Planning For My Future?"
30 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A young man of 24 years has a lot of questions running through his head. He doesn't know what he should be focusing on right now, and is not sure he ...
Who Were The 15 Greatest Commanders In History?
20 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we have a bit of fun suggesting who may be the fifteen greatest military commanders in history. It is, of course, a highly subjective...
Interview With MMA Fighter Carlo "The One" Prater
15 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this special interview, MMA star Carlo "The One" Prater discusses how he got into martial arts, what it's like to have a family, and many other sub...
Fortaleza After Action Report, And Some G Manifesto Tweet Readings
11 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we discuss some impressions of my recent visit to Fortaleza. Then we do a few tweet readings from the G Manifesto.
The Difference Between Courage And Recklessness. And Some Tweet Readings.
29 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, we discuss a reader's email asking about the differences between courage and recklessness. What are the parameters? And how do we k...
Jack London Learns To Surf In Hawaii
21 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In 1906 Jack London visited Hawaii as part of his epic journey across the Pacific. There he encountered surfers for the first time, and learned the s...
Jack London Builds His Boat
15 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
"Monstrous and inconceivable" was how Jack London described the conception and construction of his yacht "Snark," the ship on which he planned to sail...
"I Just Left My Job, And Don't Know What To Do Next"
04 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A reader has just been laid off from his accounting job and is distressed. He is not sure what to do next, and is faced with a few difficult options....
Appeal To Athena, But Also Move Your Arms
30 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss two fables from Aesop that illustrate the point that we ourselves must take action, and not expect deities to come to our aid. When all is...
The Greatest Hope Lies In The Justice Of One's Cause
25 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
"In war the greatest hope lies in the justice of one's cause." This is a line from the historian Appian (IV.12.97), who lived from about 95 A.D. to 1...
You Don't Need Anyone's Permission To Succeed
11 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we discuss the subject of having the faith and confidence to follow your creative muse, without looking for the approval or endorsemen...
A Relationship Question, And More G Manifesto Tweet Readings.
27 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast is in two parts. The first part deals with a good question I received today from a girl who emailed me about a relationship question. T...
A Reading From Jean de Joinville's "Life Of Saint Louis"
16 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Today was a difficult one to bear. We grieve, and feel dismay. I wanted to honor the spirit that created Notre Dame by reading some selections from ...
Rehabilitation Or Retribution?
13 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist Raphael Rowe's new Netflix documentary series "Inside the World's Toughest Prisons" provides a harrowing look at incarceration in different...
Some Life Advice From Ibn Zafar Al-Siqilli ("The Sicilian")
04 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we discuss some life advice offered by the medieval Arabic political theorist and philosopher Ibn Zafar in his treatise, "Consolation ...
The Reality Of The G Manifesto
13 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we answer some of the most common questions I've received about the G Manifesto. "Who is he?" "What does he do?" "Is he really doing...
People Want To Be Left Alone
24 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we talk about how the media deliberately tries to foment discord for its own self-serving purposes, and how this aligns with the purpo...
A G Manifesto Tweet Reading
05 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I read some of the recent tweets of the G Manifesto (Twitter: @MichaelPorfirio. It's all here: chimp strength, coconuts, weesh dudes, game meats, d...
The Fragility And Perishability Of Knowledge
27 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we discuss how fragile and perishable knowledge and learning can be. We discuss the loss of Latin literature in the West, and the dis...
A Reading From "Pantheon": Ice Odyssey: Douglas Mawson's Race Against Death
08 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I read a chapter from my 2015 book "Pantheon." The chapter is entitled "Ice Odyssey: Douglas Mawson's Race Against Death."
Film Talk, Trade, And Pleasure
16 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
I didn't really know what to call this podcast. It's a mix of a few different things. I wanted to talk about the movies I reviewed in the last pos...
A London Men's Club Of 1783
02 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Men's clubs used to be places where like-minded individuals could congregate and discuss topics of mutual interest. As society has changed, this is b...
Obsession, Judgment, And Restraint
30 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
At what point does a man's dedication turn into obsession? And at what point can this obsession turn self-destructive? What role should judgment and...
When To Deliver A Rebuke, And When To Have Fun
18 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
There are times when a leader must deliver a sharp rebuke to someone in order to get him or her back on the right track. It is a technique that has t...
"On Moral Ends" Lectures: Part 3
03 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast is the third and final lecture in a series of three on my translation of Cicero's "On Moral Ends." In this lecture, we focus on the fift...
"On Moral Ends" Lectures (Part 2)
27 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast, the second in a series of three, discusses the highlights of books III and IV of Cicero's "On Moral Ends." In these two books, Cato and...
"On Moral Ends" Lecture Series: Part 1
24 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast is the first of a series of three podcasts that will discuss Cicero's treatise "On Moral Ends." I have just published an illustrated, an...
"How Can I Mentor Someone Else?"
20 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A reader tells how he had a very good mentor when he was young. As an older man, he now wants to be a mentor to a young person, but is not sure of th...
"On Moral Ends" Is Now Available
13 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
My new, original translation of Cicero's "On Moral Ends" is now available. This podcast describes the unique features of the book, what it is about, ...
Keep Moving, No Matter What Happens
26 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss the importance of continuing to move forward, no matter what happens, and no matter how many bad things happen to you. Everyone's luck cha...
Arthur, The Three-Legged Dog
18 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A reader asks about how he should handle a limitation he believes he has. We respond by telling him an anecdote, and drawing the appropriate lessons ...
Travel Tips And Impressions: Athens, Greece
09 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we cover travel tips and impressions learned from my recent trip to Athens. The following areas are covered: Useful suggestions (Sho...
Virtue Is A Sentinel
18 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The virtues have been a force promoting social cohesion and stability for thousands of years. As a society becomes more wealthy, it tends to neglect ...
"How Can I Help Someone With Anger Issues?" (Podcast)
09 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A reader says that he has a family member with anger issues. Every time he tries to help the family member, the person lashes out and becomes defensi...
"The King Likes Only Empty Words"
14 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The willingness to do what is necessary is an essential condition of success in any enterprise. There are those who are willing to do what is necessa...
Two Relationship Questions From Readers
08 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast deals with two different questions I recently received: 1. A guy in his early 20s feels like his girlfriend is holding him back and smot...
The Porfirio Insight: Knowing Where You Came From, And Where You're Going
28 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This is the third podcast I've done on Michael Porfirio, aka The G Manifesto. They've proven to be extremely popular. In this latest episode, we tal...
A Few Travel Tips I Learned Last Week
22 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
I learned a few new travel tips last week, and wanted to share them.
Sometimes You Have To Be Wrong
12 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Our society places too much emphasis on the individualistic need to win every argument, to be right in all things, and to impose our will on others. ...
Some Advice To A Recruit
11 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
I recently received an email from a man who is about to ship off to USMC boot camp. He wanted to know if I had any pieces of advice for him before he...
"I'm Losing My Focus And My Ambition"
27 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A reader is worried that he's feeling lethargic and unfocused. He's in a rut in his life, and his routine is becoming more and more oppressive. He's...
"Don't Thank Me, Boy"
04 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A reader has a question about the direction he should take in life. His father died recently, and he is feeling the effects of delayed shock and repr...
The Porfirio Effect
24 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Coconut debris, machetes, game meats, natural oils, custom suits, and the whole 9 yards. This authorized podcast goes into more details about the the...
The Surrealistic World Of Michael Porfirio
20 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast is a change of pace. I talk about one of my favorite Twitter accounts, the account of @MichaelPorfirio, and I discuss why I think it act...
Three Questions From Readers
17 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast I discuss three separate questions sent to me by readers. The questions are: 1. How do I deal with a situation where I'm worried my ...
The Imperative Of Discovery: Charles Sturt's Australian Explorations
07 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
After saying a few words about the great explorers and travelers of the past, we give a podcast reading of my most recent article, "Charles Sturt: A ...
David Mamet's Film "Redbelt" (2008) (Podcast)
14 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we discuss David Mamet's 2008 film "Redbelt." This is a great movie, and a worthy addition to his long line of films that explore the...
Impressions Of Belo Horizonte, Brazil
07 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
I spent the recent holidays in Belo Horizonte, which is the capital of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. It was a fantastic trip, and I wanted to...
Reach Out And Help Someone Else During The Holiday Season
23 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
During this holiday season, try to reach out to someone who needs a hand and try to show some kindness. Too often, we all get so wrapped up in our ow...
The Need To Escape
20 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The theme of this podcast is the subject of escape, and how it is connected with travel and discovery. We explore this theme through the prism of two...
The Presence Of Death (Podcast)
10 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
We explore the theme of the presence of death through two movies: "Biutiful" (2010) and "Amour" (2012). We also discuss Polydore Vergil's comments o...
Six Points About Balancing Passion And Practicality In Educational Choices
26 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A reader has some questions about giving his son advice on educational and career choices. He is torn between emphasizing what is "practical" and wha...
Movie Roundup (11/15/2017)
16 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we discuss three movies: "Good People" (2014), "Smoke and Mirrors" (El Hombre de las Mil Caras)(2016), and the unsettling "The Killin...
Movie Roundup (11/4/2017)
04 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we give short reviews of five movies I've seen recently: Hell or High Water (2016) Life (2017) Son of a Gun (2014) Black Snow (2017) M...
How To Deal With Feeling Underappreciated
20 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A reader who is doing volunteer work says he's feeling underappreciated and taken advantage of in his work. He wants to know to maintain his focus an...
Why You Should See "Blade Runner 2049"
10 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we talk about Denis Villenueve's new film, the visually dazzling "Blade Runner 2049." In conception and execution, this film accompl...
Fate And Struggle
27 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, we discuss some questions about the role of "Adrastia" or "Nemesis," the ancient goddess of retribution. We also talk about the rede...
How To Solve The North Korea Problem
19 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What is the motive behind North Korea's belligerent behavior? Who is pulling the strings in the background? And what is the best way to resolve this...
The Trial Of Galileo
13 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Italian astronomer Galileo was examined by the Inquisition for heresy in 1633. At issue was his advocacy of the heliocentric (sun-centered) view ...
Are Paranormal Phenomena Real?
01 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Is there any truth to the proposition that paranormal phenomena are real? If so, in what way? Is there more to this world than just physical materia...
The Continued Progress Of The Plutocratic Insurgency
16 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast accompanies my most recent article. In it, we explore two additional dimensions of the "plutocratic conspiracy": the techno-palaces of ...
The Legal Merits Of The Michelle Carter "Texting Suicide" Appeal
06 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, we discuss the legal merits of Michelle Carter's appeal of her involuntary manslaughter conviction in the notorious "texting suicide"...
How To Deal With The "Dirtbag Shuffle"
01 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Our society seems to be producing more dirtbags than ever before. They're everywhere, and they love to seek out people to take advantage of. We disc...
Never Sleep On Your Rights
23 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
When you are faced with a serious problem or issue, you need to spring into action to deal with it. Anyone who "sleeps on his rights," and thinks the...