Quintus Curtius

Kenneth Sewell's cogent and well-argued book "Red Star Rogue" claims that on March 7, 1968, a rogue Soviet submarine destroyed itself while attempting to launch its ballistic missiles at Honolulu. What actually happened aboard the K-129? Why has the incident been kept secret for so many years? The history of this terrifying event is discussed. Sewell's book reminds us that, at any given time, the world truly walks along the edge of a straight razor.

Why do some businesses do inexplicable things that harm their brands? How is it that they do not appreciate the need to stay loyal to their customers or clients? What are the consequences of these failures? We take a look at how Colt Firearms, an iconic American brand, made a series of decisions in the 1980s and 1990s that caused it major harm.

There are people who feel starved for direct, real experience. They see themselves as living a lie, and are desperate to fill the void. So they channel their energies into avenues that offer little in terms of real value: "life coaches," counselors, nutrition "experts," etc. What they are really lacking is the inner satisfaction that comes from knowing one has had real, direct, and meaningful life experiences.

A reader asks a question I've never heard before: "How should I pray?" I offer some thoughts and suggestions that relate to: 1. Focus on process, not on end results. 2. Focus on the daily habits that will reinforce your purpose. 3. Remember the old saying, "Appeal to Athena, but also move your arms."

I receive an email asking about the personal and professional aspects of litigation. Do things stay professional, or can things get personal? I offer some thoughts and comments from the trenches of the legal world.

A reader emails me with a question about a painful failure he just experienced. He wants to know if I've experienced similar setbacks, and how I've handled them. I give my thoughts on the subject, and arrive at some general rules.

So many people today are totally possessed by their fears. Our society encourages this way of thinking. They take counsel of their fears, they stoke their fears, and they let their fears control their minds. The result is permanent stagnation. Stop being ruled by worry and fear. Break free of this mentality, and learn to have the confidence that you will handle anything that comes your way.

A reader asks a question about his personal situation. He feels like he's working harder and harder, but not getting ahead. He also feels underappreciated by his in-laws, for whom he has done a lot. But instead of worrying about the opinions of others, maybe he should be focusing on his own opinion of himself. And then, he'll know what he needs to do.

Sometimes the game is fixed against you. Sometimes what appears to be a level playing field, turns out to be a rigged game. What can be done in such situations? How does a man maintain his honor and dignity? We discuss.

In this podcast, I offer a short selection of Latin readings from Cornelius Nepos, Cicero, and Sallust, at the request of a follower on Twitter.

Gratitude is what determines our attitude and outlook on life. When we are imbued with a sense of thankfulness, when we look at the world from this perspective, doors open up for us. But if we see everything from a negative, grievance perspective, then we are unable to make progress--and in fact go backwards. We discuss an example.

Last week the new translation of Cicero's "On The Nature Of The Gods" was published. It is available in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle. An audiobook version will come out next month. This podcast explains what the book is about, why it is important, and the special features my translation has. You can find links to the book on my site, qcurtius.com.

There is a certain personality type that anyone offering a service is aware of: the Excessive Questions Warrior. This is someone who peppers you will extended, excessive questions about their issue, with an inordinate focus on your capabilities. The purpose is to exert control or dominance over the interaction. Such people are never going to hire you. Either someone trusts you and is willing to take guidance from you, or they do not. We discuss how to spot these types, and how to handle them.

If you are in a job where you have to deal with clients or the general public, be alert to the small clues or "tells" that reveal a person's state of mind and attitude. If a prospective client fails to show a willingness to comply with reasonable, basic rules, it almost always means the person is going to be a problem client. Do not ignore these subtle clues.

A review of Christopher Nolan's new movie, "Oppenheimer" (2023). We discuss its positives and minor negatives. This is a rewarding film experience and very much worth seeing.

Service to others is what gives life meaning. We were put on this Earth to contribute, to share, and to pass on what we know for the benefit of mankind. Every person has an instinctive, fundamental desire to teach and help others, and we should develop this instinct. Doing this will contribute to the positive energy in the world, and will come back to us in unexpected ways.

This is a reading of my article of 5/27/2023, "The Qualities Of The Good Attorney." (https://qcurtius.com/2023/05/27/the-qualities-of-the-good-attorney/). We discuss the attributes of the good attorney, exploring the various roles he or she must play.

This is a reading of my essay "Synesius's Wise Advice On Kingship" that was published on 5/20/2023: https://qcurtius.com/2023/05/20/synesiuss-wise-advice-on-kingship/

This is a reading of Quintus Curtius's essay "Italica." The original article can be found here: https://qcurtius.com/2023/05/13/italica/

This is the author's reading of his essay, "Vegetius Discusses The Importance Of The Martial Virtues," published on May 6, 2023: (https://qcurtius.com/2023/05/06/vegetius-discusses-the-importance-of-the-martial-virtues/). The subject is the decline of military prowess during the later years of the Roman empire, and the parallels we see today in the United States.