Quintus Curtius

Latest Episodes:

The Loss Of Memory And Attention Jul 09, 2017

Show notes

As individuals and as a society, we are steadily losing our long-term memories. Endless stimulation and "choices" have nearly turned us into the protagonist in the film "Memento," whose memory-loss condition puts him at the mercy of others' manipulations. Rote memorization--unfairly maligned by modern educators--has its merits and deserves a reconsideration.

We Can't Expect Too Much From People Jun 29, 2017

Show notes

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 desires or capabilities. What is the best way to deal with this? We use the example of the humanist Petrarch's strained relationship with his son.

Julius Caesar's Speech In "The Conspiracy Of Catiline" Jun 18, 2017

Show notes

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 important points about the value of precedent, leniency, and how abuses of power can follow from seemingly good intentions.

Mentorships And Career Concerns Jun 12, 2017

Show notes

We deal with two reader questions in this podcast. The first one is about mentors and mentorships. The second question concerns career advice for someone who's feeling a bit down about his current situation.

You Do What You Have To Do To Survive Jun 04, 2017

Show notes

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 part of a wider economic trend that has a lot of positive features.

"Sallust: The Conspiracy Of Catiline And The War Of Jugurtha" Is Now Available May 19, 2017

Show notes

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?" May 13, 2017

Show notes

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 on how to deal with this situation. He relates this situation to similar experiences he had as a soldier in Afghanistan when he was dealing with local villagers.

A Meeting With Stalin May 03, 2017

Show notes

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 fleeting, and that they can vanish faster than most people believe.

Nature Or Nurture? Apr 21, 2017

Show notes

A reader wonders whether nature or nurture is more important in shaping our identities. The answer, of course, is complicated. We give some details. I close by reading the epilogue to my book "Thirty-Seven."

The Hollow Men Apr 13, 2017

Show notes

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 explain why it is best to take a detached, philosophical view of such men, since experience shows that they eventually bring about their own ruin. What matters is to be a man of substance, not a man of straw, a hollow man. We close by reading T.S. Eliot's immortal poem, "The Hollow Men."

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