Shows
Quintus CurtiusItalicaThis is a reading of Quintus Curtius's essay "Italica."
The original article can be found here: https://qcurtius.com/2023/05/13/italica/
2023-05-1505 minQuintus CurtiusBetter Exile Than Submission: The Passion Of Dante AlighieriThis is a reading of the essay "Better Exile Than Submission: The Passion of Dante Alighieri" by Quintus Curtius. Publijshed on www.qcurtius.com on April 22, 2023, and read by the author.
2023-04-2312 min
The Will Spencer PodcastQUINTUS CURTIUS | The Quest for Virtue~ My 100th Episode! ~
My guest this week is George Thomas, but you may know him better by his pen name, Quintus Curtius.
He's an attorney, MIT graduate, former marine officer, author, and the translator of the timeless work of philosophy, Cicero's "On Duties."
Cicero wrote "On Duties" to his son, passing along fatherly wisdom to aid the boy in his education.
And the gift that Quintus Curtius has given all of us, as men and women, is to reach back across more than 2000 years, just before the Christian era, to find a...
2023-02-022h 06
Sol Brah's Solcast28 - EP28 w/ Quintus Curtius: 'Pencil Necks', Protecting Your Homeland + Timeless Wisdom from the AncientsSol Brah is joined by the OG Quintus Curtius : Author. Translator. His purpose is to inspire, educate, and entertain; to equip the reader for the turbulent voyage of life.
This HIGH OCTANE discussion will provide you some juice in your veins and knowledge in your noggin’
The Two Discuss:
Quintus’ Life Path and How He Came to Writing
The Pencil Neck’s and What To Do About Them
Fight or Flight? To Protect the Homeland, Or Leave?
The Wisdom of the Ancients - How to LIVE IT
And SO much more...
Visit...
2021-02-201h 27
Quintus CurtiusTh Multimixer MomentIn life there are certain crisis points that may lead to fateful decisions. Recognizing these points, and acting decisively when they are reached, is the mark of a true man of action. When you are on a track that you don't want to be on, you will eventually have to choose one of two options: accept your present circumstances, or take dramatic action to break out of your situation. This crisis point, this moment of decision, what I call the "Multimixer Moment." It's a reference to a scene in the 2016 film "The Founder," a movie about how Ray Kroc founded...
2020-09-0515 minQuintus CurtiusDo Not Surrender The Playing FieldThere 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. And in many cases, the unworthies win. Then they end up in positions of power. Good man and good women must always be prepared to see the game through to the very end, and must never allow themselves to concede the game.
2020-08-2110 minQuintus CurtiusTake Responsibility For What You DoIf 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 no matter what the consequences. Don't shirk responsibility, don't pass the buck, and don't look to create excuses if things don't go as planned. We discuss details.
2020-08-0609 minQuintus CurtiusThe G Manifesto Tweet Readings: Herd Immunity EditionWe're back, and pushing for herd immunity! It's July 14, 2020. And here is the latest installment of the authorized G Manifesto (Twitter: @MichaelPorfirio) tweet readings.
The only authorized readings, mind you.
2020-07-1524 minQuintus CurtiusThoughts On "Apocalypse Now"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 script. We then explore the movie's major themes.
2020-07-0626 minQuintus CurtiusPlato's Five Components Of HappinessIn 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 with greatly reduced hours and uncertain prospects. He isn't sure whether to go back, or to try something new. We discuss. We also talk about Plato's five components of happiness, and how they relate to his situation.
2020-06-2513 min
Quintus CurtiusThe World Provides NecessitiesThe 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 in the game. The only way to lose is to be a quitter. Have faith in the world's fructifying ability to provide for our needs.
2020-06-1810 minQuintus Curtius"The Ring Of Thoth" (A Tale Of The Supernatural by A. Conan Doyle)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 consequences of an ancient Egyptian priest's discovery of the secret to eternal life.
2020-06-0643 minQuintus CurtiusYou Have To Make The CallWhen 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 this podcast, we discuss:
1. Why you need to know your job and lead from the front.
2. Why your total focus should be on obligations, not your privileges.
3. Why the ass-covering mentality is so destructive.
2020-05-2715 minQuintus CurtiusThe Door In The Wall (A Story By H.G. Wells)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 describes a young boy's discovery of a secret door that led to an enchanted land, and the effect that this secret revelation had on the rest of his life.
2020-05-2145 minQuintus CurtiusTwo Poems: "Sailing To Byzantium" And "The Lake Isle At Innisfree"In this podcast, I read two short poems by William Butler Yeats. Listen, relax, and let your mind roam to some other place.
2020-05-1204 minQuintus CurtiusThe Brazilian Cat. A Tale Of Terror By Sir A. Conan Doyle.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 to a fortune who is deliberately locked in a cage with a ferocious jungle cat by a sinister relative determined to murder him.
2020-05-0450 minQuintus CurtiusThe Flowering Of The Strange OrchidIn 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 story of a mild-mannered orchid enthusiast who buys an unknown species of jungle orchid. As he cultivates it, he finds out that he got more than he bargained for.
2020-04-2921 minQuintus CurtiusA Sudden Punch To Shatter Glacial RigmaroleWhen things have reached a state of paralysis or gridlock, it is often necessary to shatter the paralysis by taking decisive, muscular action. Real leaders do not sit on their hands and wait to test the prevailing winds of opinion. Have the moral courage to act. Many today who call themselves "leaders" ignore or have forgotten this principle. This podcast discusses three examples taken from Winston Churchill's "The World Crisis." They show how he harnessed this principle in 1919 to break through the paralysis that had come to surround some critical issues.
2020-04-2322 minQuintus CurtiusThe Diamond MakerIn 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 their efforts. Have a listen, and see what you think.
2020-04-1720 minQuintus CurtiusG Manifesto Tweet Reading: Lockdown EditionYou 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 in and catch the vibe.
2020-04-0718 minQuintus CurtiusThe Six Most Important Leadership PrinciplesI 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 nearly any circumstance or situation.
2020-04-0119 minQuintus CurtiusYou Will Be JudgedThis 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 have you really internalized the messages? We discuss shipwrecks, some lessons from the movie "The Edge," and the crucial importance of maintaining a rigorous, disciplined schedule. More than ever before, you have to be self-starter. Your time is now.
2020-03-2518 minQuintus CurtiusCaptain Adolf Von Schell On Leadership And Composure In AdversityCaptain 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 leadership to American officers at the Infantry School in Fort Benning, Georgia. These presentations were later collected into a book called "Battle Leadership." In this podcast, I read a short selection from Capt. Von Schell's book, and discuss its relevance for today.
2020-03-1716 minQuintus CurtiusHaving Too Many Choices, And Falling Into RutsA 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 progress; (2) why you should focus on internals, and not externals; (3)why character and determination are all-important; and (4) how you need to shock yourself out of the self-imposed ruts you can very easily slip into.
2020-03-1022 minQuintus Curtius"Why Do I Feel Regret?"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 different; (2) if you really wanted to do it, you would do it; (3) the real reason for your regret is deeper, and lies elsewhere, and (4) focus on being the best version of yourself you can be.
2020-03-0113 minQuintus CurtiusGetting Your Mind RightAre you holding yourself accountable every day by living a good life, a productive life? Are you actions congruent with your words? We talk about that slime bag mentality, how it holds you back, and how those little voices in your head can lead you down the path of vices. There are no shortcuts, no days off, no letups. You need to be putting in work, and not retreating one inch. Ever.
2020-02-2423 minQuintus CurtiusThe Sources Of AngerIn 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 yourself accountable
Your lack of self-respect
Your lack of self-discipline
Desire for revenge
Sense of loss
Sense of guilt
2020-02-2012 minQuintus CurtiusHow Art Can Inspire Great DeedsIn this podcast, I talk about the documentary film "Sad Hill Unearthed," and what conclusions we should draw from it. The movie describes how four friends found and restored the cemetery in Spain used for the iconic climax to the 1965 Sergio Leone film "The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly."
We discuss how art can work to nurture dreams, and why you should follow your visions, no matter what other people may think.
2020-02-1314 minQuintus Curtius"Digest" Is Now AvailableMy 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 contents. Links to find the book can be found at: www.qcurtius.com
2020-02-1009 min
Quintus Curtius"I'm Thinking About Doing Something, But Don't Know If It's A Waste Of Time And Money"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. My thoughts are these: (1) Everyone has different motivational needs and requirements; (2) Your resources and time are limited; (3) You should experiment with different things to find out what works, and what does not; (4) Even if it doesn't work out, you will still have learned something.
2020-01-3014 min
Quintus CurtiusRinging In 2020: A New G Manifesto Tweet ReadingWe'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, game meats, mountain villages, ocean swims, beautiful girls, and avoiding weesh dudes. What more can be said? Kick back, have a drink or two, and laugh along with us! Life is too short!
(Most will never get something like this).
2020-01-2125 min
Quintus CurtiusT.S. Eliot's "The Hollow Men": A ReadingThis 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 passing year.
2020-01-1405 min
Quintus CurtiusMovie Roundup (1/12/2020)(Podcast)In this movie roundup we discuss "1917" (2019), "Earthquake Bird," (2019), and "Furthest Witness" (2017).
2020-01-1321 min
Quintus CurtiusMovie Roundup (1/5/2020)In this roundup, we discuss four recent movies:
Mike Wallace Is Here (2019)
Destroyer (2018)
At Eternity's Gate (2019)
Meeting Gorbachev (2018)
Tune in for the discussion!
2020-01-0622 min
Quintus CurtiusThoughts On Surrealist PaintingWhat is surrealist painting? In this podcast, I offer a few thoughts on surrealism in painting, and name a few of my favorite surrealist painters. This is a vast subject, but a lot can be gained by looking at the work of the very best artists: Giorgio de Chirico, Yves Tanguy, Max Ernst, Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso.
2019-12-2120 min
Quintus CurtiusThoughts On Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman"In this podcast we discuss some aspects of Martin Scorsese's movie "The Irishman." This movie seems to divide people into proponents and detractors. I think it is a great film, and very much worth seeing, as long as we approach it from the right perspective.
2019-12-1519 min
Quintus CurtiusSome Recommended Movies And Programs (12/8/2019)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, and "The Confession Killer" (2019) is a gripping documentary about how the Henry Lee Lucas serial killer investigation was handled. In some ways, the message of both of them is the same: justice does not come automatically, but has to be fought for by courageous people.
2019-12-0834 min
Quintus CurtiusMore Michael Porfirio Tweet ReadingsIt'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 of his most recent tweets. The laughter is nonstop...listen for yourself.
2019-11-2516 min
Quintus CurtiusThe Loss Of Confidence, And The Infliction Of ShameTwo 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 are these qualities, and why are they so deleterious? We analyze and discuss.
2019-11-1422 min
Quintus CurtiusWhat Do Young Men Want?What do young men really want? What impulses and motivations drive their thinking? I offer four fundamental necessities.
2019-11-0716 min
Quintus CurtiusFootprints Leading In, But None Coming OutA 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 situation, and asks for some guidance on the best course of action. For some people, this is an easily-handled situation, but for others, it is not. We discuss.
2019-10-2308 min
Quintus CurtiusIt's Your Job To Set The Record StraightAfter reading Charles Leerhsen's excellent biography of baseball player Ty Cobb, it's clear that each of us is responsible for making sure that misinformation and lies do not go unanswered. For decades, Ty Cobb was maligned as a venomous "racist," a murderer, a dirty player, and everything in between. It turns out that these stories were wholesale fabrications. But Cobb should have done more to stop the misinformation from achieving such currency. We discuss.
2019-10-1018 min
Quintus CurtiusMovie Roundup (10/5/2019)In this podcast, we discuss two films: "Joker" (2019), and "The Killing Fields" (1984), both of which you should see.
2019-10-0623 min
Quintus CurtiusMovie Roundup (9/28/2019)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" (2019), the space drama starring Brad Pitt and directed by James Gray.
2019-09-2915 min
Quintus CurtiusTwo Recent Questions From ReadersIn 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 email asks about what he should be studying in college, and what sort of career he should pursue. There are no easy answers to these questions, but just talking about them can be of real benefit.
2019-09-1118 min
Quintus CurtiusWhere Have All The Leaders Gone?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 "leader" is a mediocrity who does nothing of consequence? Did leaders of previous eras have better character and overall fortitude? We ask whether this sweeping generalization has some elements of truth, and make some related observations.
2019-08-2817 min
Quintus CurtiusTwo Questions From Readers: A Failed Relationship, And A Career QuestionWe 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 can't decide if she should "give it a second chance." There are complications. The second question is from a high school student who wants to know how he can combine a "great books" program with military school. We offer some thoughts.
2019-08-2017 min
Quintus CurtiusMMA Fighter Carlo Prater Discusses Training, Preparation, And What Comes AfterThis 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 goes through before, during, and after a bout, as well as other general thoughts on life and work. Don't miss it!
2019-08-1140 min
Quintus Curtius"Should I Forgive An Abusive Father, And Re-Establish Contact With Him?"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 difficult situation: he has been contacted by a dying father who abandoned and abused him as a child, and who now wants to have contact with him. He is unsure whether he should re-establish contact. We offer some suggestions on how to arrive at a decision.
2019-08-0420 min
Quintus Curtius"How Should I Be Planning For My Future?"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 should focus on business growth, travel, or family issues. We offer some suggestions.
2019-07-3014 min
Quintus CurtiusWho Were The 15 Greatest Commanders In History?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 exercise, and I need not be told how rash the exercise is. Nevertheless, we persist. On Fortress of the Mind (www.qcurtius.com), I will also post the entire list. My hope is that this will generate some animated discussion.
2019-07-2041 min
Quintus CurtiusInterview With MMA Fighter Carlo "The One" PraterIn 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 subjects. Don't miss it!
2019-07-1546 min
Quintus CurtiusFortaleza After Action Report, And Some G Manifesto Tweet ReadingsIn this podcast we discuss some impressions of my recent visit to Fortaleza. Then we do a few tweet readings from the G Manifesto.
2019-07-1116 min
Quintus CurtiusThe Difference Between Courage And Recklessness. And Some Tweet Readings.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 know when we go too far?
We then close with more G Manifesto tweet readings.
2019-06-2925 min
Quintus CurtiusJack London Learns To Surf In HawaiiIn 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 sport. His observations and impressions were recorded in a chapter of his book "The Cruise of the Snark," and remain fascinating to this day. We read passages from this chapter, and discuss.
2019-06-2125 min
Quintus CurtiusJack London Builds His Boat"Monstrous and inconceivable" was how Jack London described the conception and construction of his yacht "Snark," the ship on which he planned to sail around the world. This podcast describes his thoughts on building it, his problems and obstacles, and the true spirit of discovery. We then close with some tweet readings from the G Manifesto.
2019-06-1522 min
Quintus Curtius"I Just Left My Job, And Don't Know What To Do Next"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. We discuss some general thoughts, and what principles to keep in mind.
2019-06-0421 min
Quintus CurtiusAppeal To Athena, But Also Move Your ArmsWe 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 said and done, we must see ourselves as the architects of our own destinies.
2019-05-3010 min
Quintus CurtiusThe Greatest Hope Lies In The Justice Of One's Cause"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 165 A.D. We discuss what this line means, and how we can apply it to our own lives.
2019-05-2514 min
Quintus CurtiusYou Don't Need Anyone's Permission To SucceedIn this podcast we discuss the subject of having the faith and confidence to follow your creative muse, without looking for the approval or endorsement of others. The herd is always going to try to enforce conformity. Do your homework, do your research, and learn your subject: but at the critical jumping-off moment, you need to keep your own counsel and not let anyone undermine your instinct.
2019-05-1114 min
Quintus CurtiusA Relationship Question, And More G Manifesto Tweet Readings.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. The second part is a reading of some G Manifesto tweets, just to have a few laughs. Listen to these amusing tweets, as I try to control my laughter.
2019-04-2730 min
Quintus CurtiusA Reading From Jean de Joinville's "Life Of Saint Louis"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 Joinville's "Life of Saint Louis." He was the king of France known as Louis IX, and he lived from 1214 to 1270. The pious and selfless ethic he professed infused every stone, every brick, and every timber of Notre Dame.
France, do not forget your dead king. Vive la France.
2019-04-1618 min
Quintus CurtiusRehabilitation Or Retribution?Journalist Raphael Rowe's new Netflix documentary series "Inside the World's Toughest Prisons" provides a harrowing look at incarceration in different countries. It also prompts a larger, deeper question. What philosophy is better: rehabilitation, or retribution? We look at the arguments for both sides.
2019-04-1314 min
Quintus CurtiusSome Life Advice From Ibn Zafar Al-Siqilli ("The Sicilian")In this podcast we discuss some life advice offered by the medieval Arabic political theorist and philosopher Ibn Zafar in his treatise, "Consolation of the Ruler Amid the Hostility of His Subjects."
2019-04-0423 min
Quintus CurtiusThe Reality Of The G ManifestoIn 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 the things he says he's doing?"
We discuss some of the take-away lessons, and then go into some recent tweet readings.
2019-03-1326 min
Quintus CurtiusPeople Want To Be Left AloneIn 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 purposes of the plutocracy. We compare this ethic to an interesting anecdote related by the Roman historian Priscus that occurred while he was traveling to the court of Attila the Hun in 448 A.D. Most people just want to be left alone to live their lives in peace, and this is the ideal we should seek in an era of perpetual outrage.
2019-02-2420 min
Quintus CurtiusA G Manifesto Tweet ReadingI read some of the recent tweets of the G Manifesto (Twitter: @MichaelPorfirio. It's all here: chimp strength, coconuts, weesh dudes, game meats, deep ocean swims, swooping mass beautiful girls, and the whole nine yards.
What the hell use is anything if you can't enjoy life? Unplug from those negative dorks out there and visualize some real fun.
2019-02-0527 min
Quintus CurtiusThe Fragility And Perishability Of KnowledgeIn 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 dissipation of the holdings of the Alexandrian library of the Ptolemies. It is clear that even a short period of neglect can result in the loss of a catastrophic quantity of irreplaceable knowledge. Every generation must safeguard and promote the legacy of the past, so that future epochs are not deprived of their cultural inheritance. It only took about 200 years of neglect for the majority of Latin literature to become lost to history. In t...
2019-01-2729 min
Quintus CurtiusA Reading From "Pantheon": Ice Odyssey: Douglas Mawson's Race Against DeathIn this podcast, I read a chapter from my 2015 book "Pantheon." The chapter is entitled "Ice Odyssey: Douglas Mawson's Race Against Death."
2019-01-0812 min
Quintus CurtiusFilm Talk, Trade, And PleasureI 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 post here, but I also wanted to toss out an interesting comment made by Samuel Johnson on trade and pleasure. And finally--to relax and unwind--I read a few recent tweets by the G Manifesto. It's important in life to mix things up. Idleness may be the Devil's servant, but so is monotony.
2018-12-1624 min
Explore An Sensational Full Audiobook And Elevate Your Mindset.On Moral Ends by Quintus Curtius, CiceroPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/161967to listen full audiobooks.
Title: On Moral Ends
Author: Quintus Curtius, Cicero
Narrator: Saethon Williams
Format: mp3
Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 12-10-18
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 9 ratings
Genres: Ethics & Morality
Publisher's Summary:
Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 B.C.-43 B.C.) is one of the seminal figures in the history of Western philosophy, politics, and letters. On Moral Ends (De Finibus) is considered by many to be his most important work in philosophy. In a series of stimulating dialogues, Cicero seeks to answer the question "What is humanity's Ultimate Good?" by examining...
2018-12-1010h 17
Quintus CurtiusA London Men's Club Of 1783Men's clubs used to be places where like-minded individuals could congregate and discuss topics of mutual interest. As society has changed, this is becoming a rare tradition. To see just what a gentleman's club was like in London in 1783, we go to the original sources and read the club's by-laws. Nothing better illustrates how different that era was from today.
2018-12-0212 min
Quintus CurtiusObsession, Judgment, And RestraintAt 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 restraint play in our lives? We discuss these issues, and offer the example of storm chaser Tim Samaras.
2018-11-3014 min
Quintus CurtiusWhen To Deliver A Rebuke, And When To Have FunThere 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 to be used carefully, as it is not appropriate for every situation. We relate an anecdote in which the holy man Athanasios of Athos used it effectively.
We then turn to some irreverent fun, with a reading of some of the tweets of the G Manifesto (on Twitter: @MichaelPorfirio).
2018-11-1822 min
Quintus Curtius"On Moral Ends" Lectures: Part 3This 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 fifth and final book of "On Moral Ends," which deals with the somewhat eclectic philosophy of Antiochus of Ascalon.
The speakers in book V, Cicero and Marcus Piso, debate Antiochus's views and tussle over whether his conception of the Ultimate Good is better, or worse, than the Ultimate Good proposed by the Stoics and Epicureans. Can wisdom and virtue stand alone, or do other "goods" matter too? What do we really need...
2018-11-0324 min
Quintus Curtius"On Moral Ends" Lectures (Part 2)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 Cicero aggressively debate the merits of Stoicism and its conception of the Ultimate Good. The discussion takes place at Tusculum, Italy, a place that was extensively photographed by the translator in preparation of this work.
When reading books III and IV, ask yourself what you think of the points raised by the disputants. How does Stoicism compare with Epicureanism, in your view?
2018-10-2727 min
Quintus Curtius"On Moral Ends" Lecture Series: Part 1This 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, annotated translation of this work and wanted to introduce readers to the book's major concepts and arguments.
This podcast discusses the following subjects:
1. The origin and purpose of the work
2. The main ideas of, and arguments for, the Epicurean philosophy
3. The flaws and criticisms of Epicureanism
After reading books I and 2 of "On Moral Ends," ask yourself what your own opinions are of Epicureanism, and Cicero's criticisms of it. Are they justified, or unjustified?
2018-10-2436 min
Quintus Curtius"How Can I Mentor Someone Else?"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 the right way to go about it. We offer some suggestions.
2018-10-2014 min
Quintus Curtius"On Moral Ends" Is Now AvailableMy 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, and why it is important.
2018-10-1321 min
Quintus CurtiusKeep Moving, No Matter What HappensWe 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 changes for the better sooner or later, and you have to be in the game when it happens.
We compare and contrast the experiences of Nikki Sixx of the rock band Motley Crüe with that of television personality Anthony Bourdain.
We close by reading a few tweets from the G Manifesto.
2018-09-2620 min
Quintus CurtiusArthur, The Three-Legged DogA 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 from it.
We close on a humorous note by reading some recent tweets by the G Manifesto.
2018-09-1817 min
Quintus CurtiusTravel Tips And Impressions: Athens, GreeceIn this podcast we cover travel tips and impressions learned from my recent trip to Athens. The following areas are covered:
Useful suggestions (Shoes, hotel, suitcase, money, etc.)
Suggested itineraries
Impressions of the country
Food
Language tips if you don't know Greek
Prices
2018-09-0926 min
Quintus CurtiusVirtue Is A SentinelThe virtues have been a force promoting social cohesion and stability for thousands of years. As a society becomes more wealthy, it tends to neglect these virtues. The consequences are deeply destructive: loss of social cohesion, indiscipline, greed and moral corruption. History suggests that such societies become ripe for disorder, even collapse.
2018-08-1827 min
Absorb This Game-Changing Full Audiobook And Feel The Difference.Pathways: Best Short Essays of 2015 by Quintus CurtiusPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/37153to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Pathways: Best Short Essays of 2015
Author: Quintus Curtius
Narrator: Saethon Williams
Format: mp3
Length: 6 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 08-16-18
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 5 ratings
Genres: Essays
Publisher's Summary:
Pathways is a collection of Quintus Curtius’ very best short essays from 2015. Speaking in an original and compelling voice, these essays cover an amazing variety of subjects in history, philosophy, current events, ethics, biography, physical health, travel, and language.
2018-08-166h 54
Quintus Curtius"How Can I Help Someone With Anger Issues?" (Podcast)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 defensive. Nothing he does seems to make the situation any better. The reader wants to know if there is anything he can do. We discuss.
2018-08-0914 min
Quintus Curtius"The King Likes Only Empty Words"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 necessary, and those who are not.
We discuss an anecdote from Sun Tzu's "Art of War," and several other historical examples, to bring these points into focus.
2018-07-1420 min
Ignite: This Breakthrough Full Audiobook For Busy Professionals.Pantheon by Quintus CurtiusPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/37150to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Pantheon
Author: Quintus Curtius
Narrator: Saethon Williams
Format: mp3
Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins
Release date: 07-02-18
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 5 ratings
Genres: Essays
Publisher's Summary:
Author Quintus Curtius continues his explorations in history, biography, and philosophy to extract inspiring, timeless lessons for modern listeners. The pervasive themes include courage in adversity, character and fate, moral problems, and the transcendent search for life's lessons. Special attention is given to Stoicism, Platonism, and the quest for meaning in a turbulent world.
2018-07-028h 23
Feel The Thought-Provoking Full Audiobook Experience!Stoic Paradoxes: A New Translation by Quintus Curtius - translatorPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/161916to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Stoic Paradoxes: A New Translation
Author: Quintus Curtius - translator
Narrator: Alan Weyman
Format: mp3
Length: 2 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 06-11-18
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars, 14 ratings
Genres: Ethics & Morality
Publisher's Summary:
Cicero's Stoic Paradoxes is a brilliant and accessible summary of the six major ethical beliefs of Stoicism. The nature of moral goodness, the possession of virtue, good and bad conduct, the transcendence of wisdom, and the sources of real wealth are all discussed with the author's characteristic intensity and wit. This is the only existing modern...
2018-06-112h 27
Quintus CurtiusTwo Relationship Questions From ReadersThis 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 smothering him, but he's not sure how to handle the situation.
2. A girl in her 20s is feeling frustrated that she can't find the kind of long-term relationship that she would like to have.
We break down both questions, and offer some thoughts.
2018-06-0816 min
Quintus CurtiusThe Porfirio Insight: Knowing Where You Came From, And Where You're GoingThis 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 talk about the "Porfirio Insight": the ability to step outside yourself, take stock in your life, and see where you are headed. It's all about the journey, and whether the trip has been a memorable one. We've all only got one life to live...so you'd better make it count.
2018-05-2827 min
Quintus CurtiusA Few Travel Tips I Learned Last WeekI learned a few new travel tips last week, and wanted to share them.
2018-05-2211 min
Quintus CurtiusSometimes You Have To Be WrongOur 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. Sometimes, you need to swallow your pride and let things go for the sake of preserving harmony. Stop trying to be "right" all the time. You will find yourself feeling better, less stressed out, and more at peace. Sometimes, being good is more important than being "right."
2018-05-1211 min
Quintus CurtiusSome Advice To A RecruitI 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 goes. I offer ten points that I found to be useful from my own experience.
2018-04-1123 min
Quintus Curtius"I'm Losing My Focus And My Ambition"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 not sure what the problem is, and wants to know the best way to deal with the situation.
2018-03-2717 min
Embark On The Sensational Full Audiobook Now, Curious Minds!Thirty Seven by Quintus CurtiusPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/37025to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Thirty Seven
Author: Quintus Curtius
Narrator: Saethon Williams
Format: mp3
Length: 6 hrs and 31 mins
Release date: 03-22-18
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars, 13 ratings
Genres: Essays
Publisher's Summary:
Quintus Curtius is an attorney, writer, translator, and former marine officer. Expertly blending history, biography, philosophy, and the author's personal experience, this penetrating collection of essays achieves what one reviewer called "a perfect fluency in [a] dialogue with truth." The unifying theme is the nature of masculine identity and how that identity has been manifested. Drawing on examples from history and using...
2018-03-226h 31
Quintus Curtius"Don't Thank Me, Boy"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 repressed anger. He feels like he has been denied a positive role model.
I offer some thoughts and suggestions, using an anecdote and then some commentary.
2018-03-0423 min
Quintus CurtiusThe Porfirio EffectCoconut debris, machetes, game meats, natural oils, custom suits, and the whole 9 yards. This authorized podcast goes into more details about the themes talked about in my last podcast, "The Surrealistic World of Michael Porfirio." We delve deeper to extract the timeless lessons for the modern man, and explain the nuances.
The rest is up to you.
2018-02-2426 min
Quintus CurtiusThe Surrealistic World Of Michael PorfirioThis 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 actually has, in its own way, legitimate artistic merit.
Sometimes we need to be thrown curve balls here and there, to keep us all on our toes.
2018-02-2030 min
Quintus CurtiusThe 5 Essential Elements Of CreativityEveryone wants to be creative. But how do we become creative? What conditions nurture and augment the creative impulse?
Quintus tackles this subject and lays out the five important conditions that should be present for creativity truly to flourish.
Tune in to hear more details...
2015-12-1117 min
Quintus CurtiusPrologue to Quintus Curtius's "Pantheon"The prologue of Quintus Curtius's book "Pantheon", describing the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen.
2015-11-1827 min