Quintus Curtius

The Loss Of Memory And Attention

09 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

As individuals and as a society, we are steadily losing our long-term memories. Endless stimulation and "choices" have nearly turned us into the prot...

We Can't Expect Too Much From People

29 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

One big frustration we can experience in life is having unrealistic expectations. We can want people to behave in ways that are just not within their...

Julius Caesar's Speech In "The Conspiracy Of Catiline"

18 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast is a reading and commentary on Julius Caesar's speech found in Sallust's "Conspiracy of Catiline." Caesar's address to the senate made ...

Mentorships And Career Concerns

12 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We deal with two reader questions in this podcast. The first one is about mentors and mentorships. The second question concerns career advice for so...

You Do What You Have To Do To Survive

04 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A recent news article talks about how young, unemployed urban Greeks are leaving the city to return to agricultural work in the countryside. It's par...

"Sallust: The Conspiracy Of Catiline And The War Of Jugurtha" Is Now Available

19 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

My book "Sallust: The Conspiracy Of Catiline and The War Of Jugurtha" is now available for purchase. In this podcast, I read the book's foreword.

"How Do I Convince A Student That His Ideas Are Wrong?"

13 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A reader who is a teacher is troubled by the fact that one of his teenage students firmly believes in in fascist government. The teacher seeks advice...

A Meeting With Stalin

03 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A former NKVD agent describes a meeting with Joseph Stalin and the special assignment he was given. We reflect on the fact that power and glory are ...

Nature Or Nurture?

21 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A reader wonders whether nature or nurture is more important in shaping our identities. The answer, of course, is complicated. We give some details....

The Hollow Men

13 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A reader from Italy writes to say he is frustrated and angry with the deceit and fraudulence of a certain political figure on the world stage. We exp...

Leadership Questions: Pulling The Trigger, And Dealing With A Passive-Aggressive Boss

01 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Two different readers ask questions from their own personal experience: 1. One man is trying to overcome feelings of discomfort when ordering his men...

Hit Them Hard

25 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

When your back is against the wall, you need to fight back however you can. Don't ever allow society or other people to denigrate you. Sometimes the...

The Rise Of The "Plutocratic Insurgency"

16 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

I've written before on the extreme social dangers that come about from excessive concentrations of wealth in the hands of a few. A very important ser...

There's Nothing Shameful In Having Problems

02 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

I recently saw the documentary "Metallica: Some Kind Of Monster." The film shows the group trying to keep itself together in the wake of band tensio...

Some Life Questions From An Ex-Military Man

14 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

I received a great email the other day from an accomplished ex-military man who is currently enrolled in a higher degree program at a major US univers...

Coming In Summer 2017: Sallust's "Conspiracy Of Catiline" And "War Of Jugurtha"

05 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This summer I will be releasing a new book. It is an annotated edition of Sallust's great historical works "Conspiracy of Catiline" and "War of Jugur...

Successful In One Job, A Failure In Another

28 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States, is generally considered to have been a dismal failure as chief executive. Less well known is...

Why Did The Reds Defeat The Whites In The Russian Civil War of 1917-1922?

21 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Russia was torn apart by civil war from 1917 to 1922. On one side were the Bolshevik communists (Reds) and on the other were the Russian nationalists...

Some Thoughts On Travel In Central America (Podcast)

10 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

I recorded this podcast a few days ago but was only able to upload it today. We talk about some impressions from brief visits to Panama, Costa Rica, ...

Harry Truman's Presidential Retreat In Key West: Thoughts And Observations

31 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

I visited Key West a few days ago and had a chance to see the retreat of former president Harry Truman. The experience generated some thoughts and ob...

Rolling The "Iron Dice": Outbreak Of The First World War

17 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen Kotkin's masterful biography of Joseph Stalin has a very keen analysis of the outbreak of the First World War. I discuss some of the relevant...

The H2 Sierra From Delta2Alpha: A Very Impressive Knife

03 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Homesickness And "Saudade"

27 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 re...

Some Writers Just Speak To You

17 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 questi...

We Don't Know The Struggles That Other People Have

12 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Most Incredible Election Since 1860

09 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In its character and results, the 2016 U.S. presidential election was perhaps the most incredible contest since the fragmented 1860 election. Donald ...

Gaining And Maintaining Confidence

29 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A reader explains that he often struggles with confidence and self-esteem issues. We offer some suggestions and perspectives. The truth is that whil...

Why Consoling Friends Is Important

18 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

When we see a friend is hurting, is it better to try to console him, or to ignore his problem?

Fear Or Love? The Views Of Cicero And Machiavelli (Podcast)

08 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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" a...

Travel Advice For Young People. Looking For Sympathy From Others (Podcast)

02 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 i...

Five Lessons Drawn From Recent Emails

29 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Out of some recent emails, I've extracted five lessons that are worth remembering.

How To Avoid Burnout (Along With A Hidden Question)

17 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 i...

Why You Shouldn't "Stay In Your Lane"

10 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Mystery Of The Vanishing Men

08 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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. Do...

Wisdom, Intelligence, Education, And Leaving A Job

03 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

We deal with a few questions received from readers. 1. What are the differences between wisdom and intelligence? 2. Is the educational system beco...

"Someone's Lecturing Me On How To Be A Parent"

25 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

"This We Do Not Tolerate"

19 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 wh...

Is The World Worse Today Than It Used To Be?

13 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 tha...

"Am I Too Indecisive?"

03 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Idealism vs. Practicality In Career Choices: How To Find The Balance

29 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

Three Reader Questions Discussed

23 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

We address the following reader questions: 1. Are men becoming "infantilized" in today's society? 2. What is the difference between a "loser" and s...

Greatness Of Soul: Becoming A Man Of Substance

16 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

"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." Wha...

A Couple Questions

13 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Two questions are dealt with in this podcast. One reader has a question about procrastination. Another reader has an interpretation question about a...

How Do I Know If My Goals Are Unrealistic?

02 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How Should I Decide What Career Path To Take?

28 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Conduct, Obligations, And Decision-Making: Details Of My New Book "On Duties"

25 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

My new book, "On Duties," is the most explanatory, readable, and well-organized translation of Cicero's classic that is available in English, and perh...

How Did We Get To Be Where We Are Now?

21 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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? Th...

Get Moving And Keep Moving

11 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Intuition Or Deliberation?

08 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 del...

How Can I Get Motivated?

02 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How Should I Leave My Corporate Job?

26 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 tha...

Some Ways To Gain Leadership Experience

21 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

What are some ways that a person can get real-world leadership experience quickly? We discuss some options. I also give my thoughts on the four most...

Mentorship, Progressive Blindness, And Finding The Good In Things

11 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

We deal with two questions in this podcast. A reader asks whether he needs a mentor to find success. In the second part of the podcast, we hear from...

How Can I Improve My Test Scores?

06 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

One reader thinks his test scores in school could use some improvement. He sees some mediocre people getting good test results, and wants to know how...

If You've Done Something Unforgivable, Forgive Yourself

01 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A reader is distressed about something he has been accused of at his university. He seems to be tormented by guilt. I explain how important it is f...

"I Don't Like How I'm Being Treated"

21 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A reader needs some suggestions on how to handle a "friend" who he has known for a while. This person is cool to him when they are alone, but when gi...

"How Do I Split My Time Between The USA And Overseas?"

15 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A reader has a business in the United States but wants to begin traveling and living abroad. He eventually wants to split his time between the US and...

When What is Expedient Conflicts With What Is Morally Good

10 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A reader feels frustrated because it seems that he is not being rewarded for his ethical behavior. He thinks unethical people are being rewarded wron...

"I Don't Like How She's Acting"

06 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A reader doesn't like how his girlfriend is behaving. She's pulling away, and not responding the way he would like. He feels like he's not valued as...

"I'm Facing A Crisis Of Doubt"

30 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A reader writes that he is beginning to doubt some of the tenets of the religion he grew up with. He is dealing with doubt, and is not sure how to ha...

A Tasmanian Travel Experience

19 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Ace Johnson, the co-founder of the knife manufacturing company www.delta2alpha.com, about his recent adventure trip to Tasmania. Great ex...

"I Don't Feel Challenged By My Job"

16 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

I comment on an article written by a junior officer who doesn't feel challenged by his job and is disillusioned with it. I respond with some thoughts...

Questions About Dealing With Negative People And PC Environments

12 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Today we deal with two separate questions from two different readers: 1. How do I get rid of negativity in my life from people around me? 2. How can...

Questions About Carelessness, Frivolity, And Career Choices

09 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast answers unrelated questions from two different readers: 1. What did I mean in a certain sentence from "Thirty-Seven"? 2. What guidance ...

You Can't Save People Who Won't Participate In Their Own Rescue

06 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast covers several related subjects. I talk about: 1. How some knowledge comes suddenly, and some gradually. 2. Discovering the Nautilus b...

Are Psychic Phenomena Real?

27 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In every culture in every historical age, there has been interest in some version of psychic phenomena. But is it "real," or delusion? And how can i...

"Should I Join The Military?"

26 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

I receive an email from a guy who feels like he needs a career change. He is considering the military, but doesn't know if it is the right thing to d...

Coping With Extreme Adversity

25 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

What traits and habits enabled men to survive extreme physical danger or adversity? We look for some answers in accounts of the First World War.

"I Need To Find A New Purpose In My Life"

18 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A reader emails me and says that although he has found success in his life and career, something is lacking. Something is missing. He says that he i...

How Do I Know When It's Time To Change My Life?

15 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A reader is troubled by where he is at in his life right now. He wants to make major life changes involving career and residence, but doesn't know if...

How Can I Develop Motivation?

13 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

How can a person develop or sustain motivation? We examine the following: 1. The nature and quality of motivation. 2. The five sources of motivatio...

"I'm Troubled By Fears Of Death"

12 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A reader of FOTM emails me to say that lately he's been oppressed by fears of death and dying. It's concerning him, and he wants to know what the Sto...

How Two Guys Started A Knife Manufacturing Business

10 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

I interview the co-founder of Delta2Alpha, a homegrown Canadian knife manufacturing business started by two regular guys with vision and guts. They'r...

"How Can I Develop My Aggressive Instinct?"

06 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A young wrestler writes and asks how he can cultivate his aggressive spirit. He has strong willpower, but something could be holding him back in his ...

A Talk With Lucas Temple: Marriage, Having A Family, And Building A Legacy

06 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I talk with Lucas Temple, proprietor of www.banterloud.com. He decided to marry in his 20s and have a large family. I talk with him ...

"How Can I Adapt To Living In A Foreign Country?"

04 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A reader is moving to a foreign country and needs help on how "to best integrate" himself into the local culture. What is the best way to approach t...

"I'm Consumed With Rage And It's Ruining My Life. What Should I Do?"

02 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A reader of qcurtius.com explains that anger is ruining his life, and he asks for help. How can he regain his balance, and deal with his issues? I di...

Why Is Charity Important?

31 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Is charity important? If so, why? And what are the different types of charity? Are there guidelines on how to think about giving? We explore the an...

Cultivate Your Sense Of Awe

29 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

What do all creative minds have in common? They always retain a sense of awe at the beauty, mystery, and grandeur of Nature. Why you should never los...

Every Man Needs His Quest

27 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Henry Worsley died in his attempt to be the first man to cross Antarctica unassisted. Why should we honor him? Every man needs a quest. The quest is...

A Book Of Wisdom That Spans Continents And Cultures

24 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

The classic book "Kalila and Dimna" is one of the treasures of world literature. What is its timeless appeal? What themes does it deal with, and wha...

How A Man Can Win A Good Name For Himself

22 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone wants to gain notoriety. Everyone wants to be respected. But what are the various ways this can be achieved?

"You Never Got Me Down, Ray"

19 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

How I overcame a collapsed lung, an operation, and a hospital recovery. What kind of attitude you need to have when confronting disasters.

The Power Of Justice

17 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

The tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight has much to say about the virtue of justice, and why it is so rare. But why is it so rare? A small amoun...

Unleashing The Creative Forces Inside You

17 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Some people bloom early. Some people need more time to come into their own. This podcast explains why we should be patient with ourselves, not comp...

Film Review: "The Revenant" (2016)

10 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

This is a review of the 2016 film "The Revenant," directed by Alejandro Inarritu and starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

8 Key Factors In Your Operational Success

08 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

What are the 8 key factors that we need when conducting any operation, or carrying out a project? This podcast discusses the 8 critical elements of s...

Strategies, Campaigns, And Tactics

06 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

If we want to do something big, we need (1) a strategy, (2) a campaign, and (3) tactics. This podcast discusses these three levels of operational art,...

"It Can't Be Done"

01 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

You will hear many people try to tell you that "this can't be done" or "that can't be done." And many times such talk is proven wrong. This podcast d...

Setting Boundaries With People

31 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

What are social boundaries? Why are they important? And how do we go about setting them with other people? This podcast discusses some answers.

The Persistence Of Guilt, And How To Get Rid Of It

31 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Why is guilt the most insidious and devious of all the vices? Why can it exist when we enjoy success, or suffer failure? And what are the ways we ca...

How Does Personality Influence History?

22 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

How has personality influenced history? Are great men more influential, or are impersonal forces? What are the positive and negative instincts that ...

The Ethics Of Survival

20 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

What are the traits that allow us to survive extreme situations? What is the calculus of survival? What can we can do to increase our chances of surv...

What Is The Imagination?

19 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

What is the imagination? We discuss some of its features: 1. The pervasive nature of ambiguity and what it means for the imagination. 2. The bridge...

How To Improve Your Logical Reasoning Skills

16 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

We all need to sharpen our powers of logic and deduction. But how to go about doing this? This podcast provides some effective strategies for improvi...

How To Overcome Procrastination And Maintain Motivation

15 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

How can I stop procrastinating and regain control of my life? How can I maintain my focus and motivation for the things I'm doing? We discuss some ans...

How The World Can Provide For Us

13 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

The world can provide us with the things we need if we adopt the right approaches: 1. Subordinating appetites to Reason. 2. Never giving up. 3. Lea...

Letting Go Of The Anger And Resentments Of The Past

12 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

We all nurse some form of anger or resentment about wounds we received in the past. Why is this? Where does it come from? And how can we free ourse...

The 5 Essential Elements Of Creativity

11 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone wants to be creative. But how do we become creative? What conditions nurture and augment the creative impulse? Quintus tackles this subjec...

The Importance Of Boldness

08 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the nature, importance, and features of boldness. How can we cultivate boldness? How can we employ it to best advantage? What are some...