Quintus Curtius

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Quintus Curtius is an attorney, writer, translator, and former Marine officer. His books deal with a variety of ethical, moral, and character topics, using examples in history, biography, literature, and philosophy. The result is both unique and inspiring. His podcasts are his personal dialogues wi…

Quintus Curtius


    • May 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 18m AVG DURATION
    • 301 EPISODES

    4.8 from 78 ratings Listeners of Quintus Curtius that love the show mention: stoic philosophy, masculine, wise, wisdom, reading, value, man, knowledge, world, always, better, life, real, thank, listening, quintus curtius.


    Ivy Insights

    The Quintus Curtius podcast is a hidden gem in the world of podcasts. Quintus Curtius, with his vast knowledge and wisdom, brings ancient wisdom and practical advice to listeners in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking. As a young person trying to navigate the complexities of life, I have found immense value in his words and highly recommend this podcast to anyone who values knowledge and adventure.

    One of the best aspects of The Quintus Curtius podcast is the wealth of useful knowledge it provides. From Stoic philosophy to masculine virtues, from historical insights to critical thinking, there is something for everyone in this podcast. Quintus seamlessly blends ancient wisdom with modern-day challenges faced by men, offering practical guidance on self-improvement in all aspects of life. His ability to link the lessons of old with the realities of today sets him apart from other podcast hosts.

    On the downside, The Quintus Curtius podcast may not appeal to those looking for light-hearted entertainment or shallow pop psychology. This podcast delves deep into complex topics and encourages listeners to think critically about their own lives. While some may find this challenging or tiresome, for others it is exactly what they need. Additionally, the production value of the podcast may not be as polished as some other shows, but this does not detract from the valuable content provided.

    In conclusion, The Quintus Curtius podcast is a breath of fresh air in a world filled with superficiality. It offers profound insights into various philosophical topics while providing practical applications for everyday life. Listening to this podcast has not only made me ponder complex thoughts but has also led me to make positive changes in my life. Quintus Curtius has become a mentor figure for many around the world, and his dedication to sharing ancient wisdom should be commended. I highly recommend giving this podcast a listen if you are searching for depth, knowledge, and personal growth.



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    Latest episodes from Quintus Curtius

    Sometimes Winning Is Not Enough

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 9:58


    Sometimes even a decisive victory is not enough. Your victory may immediately be followed by greater challenges that test you to the ultimate limit. There is no such thing as reaching an "end zone." We discuss the Battle of Cunaxa in 401 B.C., where the Greek mercenaries of Cyrus won the battle, but immediately realized that their fight for survival had just begun. One man, a natural leader named Xenophon the Athenian, then stepped forward to assume the responsibility of command.

    Book Review: "General Eoin O'Duffy: The Political Life Of An Irish Firebrand" (Podcast)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2025 17:59


    This podcast is a book review of "General Eoin O'Duffy: The Political Life Of An Irish Firebrand," by Jack Traynor. This book is a scholarly but brief political biography of a key figure of Irish politics from the War of Independence through the end of the 1930s. We discuss the book and its subject matter, and venture some thoughts. What does O'Duffy's life teach us about the influence of character on a man's fate?

    If You're Not Losing, You're Not Learning

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 7:36


    If you encounter someone who claims to have a perfect record, and says he has never lost in some field of endeavor, take the claim with a grain of salt. Statements like this often do not tell the whole story. If you want to learn and grow, you need to know that you're going to lose. And you will probably lose a lot! Someone with a perfect record may not have taken sufficient risks. If you cherry-pick all your battles, and never challenge yourself, you're not going to learn and grow.

    The Branches Of Government And Their Responsibilities

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 16:40


    In this podcast we describe the three branches of the United States government, their responsibilities, and some related details.

    The Times Must Be Right For Extraordinary Characters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025 10:04


    For a great personality to flourish and find expression, the historical times must be favorable. History is filled with examples of great men who withered in obscurity simply because the periods in which they lived were unable to hear their voices. Greatness can only accomplish so much; it must be nurtured by propitious events.

    How To Offer People Hope And Inspiration

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2024 12:21


    As a leader or someone responsible for another person, you will need to offer people hope when they are in dire situations. You have to find techniques and strategies for alleviating people's stress and anxiety, and for taking them across the finish line. We discuss some of these techniques that I've learned from practicing law for twenty-five years.

    With More Success Come More Responsibilities And Burdens

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2024 10:17


    Some people think that as they become wealthier and more successful, their lives will resemble that of an idle aristocrat. The reality is very different. With more success come more work, and more responsibilities, not less. You will have to develop a whole new set of skills to adapt to these changed circumstances. But you can do it.

    The Calculus Of Survival (Podcast)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2024 18:54


    What are the traits and qualities that enable a man to survive in extreme adversity? How do different factors increase or decrease a man's odds? We weigh the competing variables, and try to arrive at some conclusions.

    A Very Tragic Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2024 17:40


    I recently watched a compelling four-part Netflix documentary entitled "Crime Scene: The Vanishing At The Cecil Hotel." I had never heard of the Elisa Lam story before, and I was struck by how tragic it was, on so many levels. In this podcast, I try to explain why. What are your thoughts? What do you think about it?

    The Preface To "Centuries": A Reading

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2024 12:14


    My new collection of essays, "Centuries," was published on June 23, 2024. It contains all pieces published between 2020 and 2023. The book is currently available in both paperback and Kindle, and a hardcover version will be coming shortly. This podcast is a reading from the book's preface. It contains some of the ideas I consider most important.

    Thoughts On Friedrich Nietzsche

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2024 25:47


    Nietzsche is one of the most popular and discussed philosophers. I wanted to give my own thoughts on his life, ideas, and place in the history of thought.

    You Can't Separate The Message From The Messenger

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 10:39


    Some people think the only thing that matters is what a teacher or instructor says, not what their character is. I don't agree with this. In choosing a teacher or instructor, we have to remember that character and integrity are all-important. Nothing good can ever come from moral corruption, as Cicero has said. You have to look carefully at a man's track record, background, and conduct to get an accurate assessment of his character.

    How Do You Define Success?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2024 23:18


    In this podcast, we discuss a very revealing video that appeared on YouTube a few weeks back. Someone who prioritizes materialism and appearances is confronted by another man who has a very different value system. The resulting clash between the two of them is highly revealing.

    Let Us Never Despair

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2024 8:37


    What is the origin of despair? And how may it be confronted? We provide some answers to these questions, and related ones, in this podcast. The man of virtue and fortitude will never abandon himself to despair.

    Seconds Away From Armageddon: The Story Of Submarine K-129

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2024 24:38


    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.

    How To Destroy Your Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 15:59


    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.

    The Importance Of Direct Experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2024 7:33


    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.

    How Should I Pray?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 14:15


    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."

    Do Things Stay Professional, Or Do They Get Personal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2024 14:16


    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.

    You Have To Embrace Your Failures!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2024 12:47


    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.

    Stop Being Afraid Of Everything!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2024 9:18


    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.

    Do You Believe In Yourself?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2024 12:39


    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 Rigged Against You

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2023 15:12


    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.

    A Selection Of Latin Readings

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023 16:25


    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 Links To Attitude

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2023 13:46


    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.

    The New Translation of Cicero's "On The Nature Of The Gods" Is Now Available

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2023 16:29


    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.

    The "Excessive Questions Warrior"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2023 13:13


    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.

    Lack Of Compliance With The Small Things Spells Trouble With The Big Things

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2023 9:09


    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.

    "Oppenheimer": A Movie Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2023 16:07


    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 Is Our Purpose

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2023 9:31


    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.

    The Qualities Of The Good Attorney

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2023 7:49


    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.

    Synesius's Wise Advice On Kingship

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2023 9:38


    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/

    Italica

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 5:36


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

    Vegetius Discusses The Importance Of The Martial Virtues

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2023 10:07


    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.

    The Leadership Principles Of Iphicrates

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2023 8:37


    History distinguishes the Athenian general Iphicrates for the superlative quality of his leadership, the extent of his martial innovations, and his understanding of the psychological dimension of war. He lived from about 418 B.C. to 353 B.C. We will discuss some of the leadership principles that may be distilled from the writings of two ancient historians, Cornelius Nepos and Polyaenus.

    Better Exile Than Submission: The Passion Of Dante Alighieri

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2023 12:38


    This 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.

    The Inviolability Of The Artist's Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2023 11:40


    The world recently learned that the estate of British author Roald Dahl actually allowed a team of censors to purge words and phrases from the author's works that they deemed "offensive." This is a terrifying escalation in the left's war on the literary record and on artistic expression in general. The idea that censors could reach back into old books and rewrite them would have been unthinkable even a decade ago. It is communist thought-policing, pure and simple. Every writer or artist should be taking steps now to protect their work from tampering by potential future vandals.

    How Do I Expand My Social Circle In A Foreign Country?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2023 8:19


    A reader who is living abroad in France is finding it difficult to meet new people. He has no desire to hang around with expats. People always revert to English when dealing with him, when he is trying to learn French. It is frustrating for him, and he wants to know if there are ways to get out of this dynamic.

    The Haunted Palace (A Poem By Edgar Allan Poe)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2023 2:21


    This is a reading of Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Haunted Palace."

    You've Got The Job: Now Get In There And Do It

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2023 9:50


    A reader asks a question. He has just been assigned to a new position of great responsibility. The previous occupant of this position was a man much older than he. Our friend feels slightly intimidated and inadequate for the new job. To complicate things, the previous holder of the position has not helped our friend, and has implied that he's too young. Our friend asks for some advice.

    You Can't Stampede People (Podcast)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2023 10:38


    A young woman from a conservative culture asks a relationship question. She is very fond of her boyfriend, an American man. She wants to move things in the direction of marriage, but the young man is ambivalent. He keeps putting her off. She wants to know what she can do to deal with the situation.

    The Opossum

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2022 15:33


    A reader asks a question about the 1982 movie "First Blood." Why, he asks, was Sheriff Teasle so hostile to John Rambo? What could have been his reasons? We offer some explanation. We then move into another related subject: an opossum in my backyard, and how I dealt with it.

    Revisitations

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2022 11:05


    We should periodically "revisit" things that once meant something to us years earlier. Every 7 to 10 years or so, we grow significantly in outlook, perspective, and attitude. Things that once meant something to us, may mean something very different to us years later. This holds true of books, movies, individuals, and many other things. To measure how far you've progressed, revisit old things, and see how much you've changed. I discuss two movies, and how my view of them has changed in the intervening decades.

    You Declare Yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2022 10:11


    Some guys think that they need to wait for some magical confluence of circumstances to exist before they can pursue their goals. The world doesn't work like this. Sometimes you have to announce yourself, declare your purpose openly, and let your will shape the environment to your own purposes. You're never going to receive anyone's permission. We use the example of Charles De Gaulle in 1940.

    Not As Bad As You Think, But Different From What You Think

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2022 9:36


    Our minds often play tricks on us. We come to believe things are much worse than they really are. Once we get through what we're worried about, we realize that things were not as bad as we thought--and we also realize that things ended in a way that was different from what we expected.

    "You're Supposed To Do Something About It"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2022 11:35


    At the end of the movie "The Maltese Falcon," Sam Spade explains his personal code to Mary Astor. He tells her, "When your partner is killed, you're supposed to do something about it. It doesn't matter what you thought of him. You're supposed to do something about it..." When problems exist, you have to do something. Running away to live a life of narcissism and selfishness is not what men do. This applies to our personal lives, our work lives, and the problems that face our nation. If a problem exists, you have to deal with it. Because if you don't, no one else will.

    The Declaration Of Independence (A Reading)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2022 13:57


    This podcast is a reading of the text of the Declaration of Independence, one of the keystone documents of the American Revolution.

    Do Not Accept Half-Confidences!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2022 9:31


    One of John Paul Jones's leadership principles was this: don't accept "half-confidences" from people. This means that if you are in charge, you have a right to expect people to give you a reasonable chance at doing the job. If you are being constantly questioned, undermined, micromanaged, and doubted, then your superiors or your people are not giving you their full confidence. You need to take steps to assert your control.

    You Have Agency

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2022 14:13


    There are some who see themselves as twigs spinning endlessly in mighty rivers, or as tufts of grass being blown around by the winds. There are also some who see ambiguity in everything, and refuse to draw meaningful conclusions about events right in front of their noses. This view is not only crippling to morale, it is also destructive, because it leaves you open to suggestion and manipulation by hostile forces. Those who refuse to take charge of their own destinies, and who allow themselves to be crippled by resentments, inevitably allow their fates to be shaped by others.

    Silence: A Fable (Podcast Reading Of A Tale By Edgar Allan Poe)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2022 13:09


    This podcast is a reading of the short story "Silence: A Fable" by Edgar Allan Poe. Published in 1838, it is a very short, mysterious prose poem with evocative imagery and dark symbolism. After the reading, we discuss a possible interpretation of the tale.

    You Don't Know To A Certainty

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2022 8:47


    Some guys look upon knowledge with a purely utilitarian view. They think that if something is not helping them that very instant, then it has no value. This view is shortsighted and terribly wrong. You never know what life has in store for you, and if you're presented with an opportunity to learn, you take it and soak it up. We use a recent incident to discuss this point further.

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