Quintus Curtius

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."