Quintus Curtius

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.

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.

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."

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 the things he says he's doing?" We discuss some of the take-away lessons, and then go into some recent tweet readings.

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 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.

I 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.

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 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 the east, the great library of Alexandria, along with that of Pergamum, withered away from a combination of apathy, neglect, and the vicissitudes of time. What lessons can be learned from these sobering facts?

In this podcast, I read a chapter from my 2015 book "Pantheon." The chapter is entitled "Ice Odyssey: Douglas Mawson's Race Against Death."

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 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.

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 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.

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 restraint play in our lives? We discuss these issues, and offer the example of storm chaser Tim Samaras.

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 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).

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 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 for a happy life?

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?

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, 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?

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.

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, and why it is important.

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 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.

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 from it. We close on a humorous note by reading some recent tweets by the G Manifesto.

In 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

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

I learned a few new travel tips last week, and wanted to share them.

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. 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."

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 goes. I offer ten points that I found to be useful from my own experience.

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.

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.

Coconut 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.

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 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.

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 boss might try to prevent me from getting a new position? 2. What do I think of dress codes and standards? 3. Is there a place for men's organizations?

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 Pioneer Of Australian Exploration."

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 moral and ethical problems that men face as they try to reconcile their personal creeds with the world's corrupting influences. How we resolve this struggle will define what kind of man we are.

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 give readers my impressions of the city.

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 own lives that we forget other people also need help.

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 recent movies: "The Last Days" (2013) and "The Way Back" (2010). (Trailers for both films can be found on my post for this podcast at qcurtius.com).

We explore the theme of the presence of death through two movies: "Biutiful" (2010) and "Amour" (2012). We also discuss Polydore Vergil's comments on the burial customs of various peoples.

A reader has some questions about giving his son advice on educational and career choices. He is torn between emphasizing what is "practical" and what he feels "passionate" about. Which one is more important? And if given the option, which one should be emphasized? I offer six points that might help him in coming to his own conclusions.

In this podcast we discuss three movies: "Good People" (2014), "Smoke and Mirrors" (El Hombre de las Mil Caras)(2016), and the unsettling "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" (2017). Trailers for these films can be seen on the post for this podcast at www.qcurtius.com.

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) Michael Clayton (2007)

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 and positivity, and at the same protect himself from being used. We discuss some strategies and insights.

In this podcast we talk about Denis Villenueve's new film, the visually dazzling "Blade Runner 2049." In conception and execution, this film accomplishes the rare feat of being a sequel that is entirely worthy of its original. We'll give a few reasons why this movie is worth a careful viewing, and why I think it is a triumph of cinematic art.

In this podcast, we discuss some questions about the role of "Adrastia" or "Nemesis," the ancient goddess of retribution. We also talk about the redemptive power of struggle as the theme of the compelling 2011 film "The Grey."

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 situation? We discuss the power realities in East Asia and explore some options for the United States at home and abroad.

The Italian astronomer Galileo was examined by the Inquisition for heresy in 1633. At issue was his advocacy of the heliocentric (sun-centered) view of the solar system. What was the significance of the trial, and what were the motivations of the participants?

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 material? And does science have all the answers? We discuss these issues.

This podcast accompanies my most recent article. In it, we explore two additional dimensions of the "plutocratic conspiracy": the techno-palaces of the global elite, and the creeping confiscation of public lands by private actors. The end result of these two trends is to accelerate already destabilizing wealth imbalances.

In this podcast, we discuss the legal merits of Michelle Carter's appeal of her involuntary manslaughter conviction in the notorious "texting suicide" trial. What were the relevant issues in the case? Was the conviction proper? What is the likelihood of the conviction surviving appellate review?