Far too often, we base our opinions on what we absorb from others. But if you have done the homework, if you have done the heavy lifting, and if you know the material, you should have the confidence to form your own thoughts. People read your writings because they want to know what YOU think, not what some other nibbler thinks. A critical step in intellectual independence is having the courage to state your own opinion on some learned topic, once you have earned the rights to do so.

Quintus Curtius

Never Mind What Others Think...What Do YOU Think?

In this podcast I discuss my new translation of Cicero's "Tusculan Disputations." The work deals with five critical problems that face all of us: the fear of death, how to endure pain, how to alleviate mental distress, the various disorders of the mind, and why virtue is important for living a happy life. What questions could be more essential and fundamental than these?

"Tusculan Disputations": What It Is About, And Why It Is Important

A veteran of Afghanistan has a memoir he is trying to put together. He's asking for some tips on how to publish it. We offer some suggestions and comments.

"I'm Thinking Of Publishing A Memoir"

In this podcast, we discuss a serious subject. A reader explains that his family has just lost a young child, and he is searching for advice on how to deal with this calamity. I offer some suggestions drawn from Plutarch's letter of consolation to his wife on the death of this two-year-old daughter, as well as anecdotes from other sources (e.g., the life of P.T. Barnum) and my own personal experiences. Fiat voluntas tua.

Coping With The Loss Of A Child

In this podcast we talk about the need for true, well-rounded fitness. Some think that getting bulked up in the gym makes them "fit" and ready to take on the world. While this may produce the appearance of fitness, it remains an illusion. Endurance-related activities promote mental toughness, the ability to withstand pain and deprivation, and a sharpening of the aggressive spirit. These are essential traits that will be needed for the struggles that lie ahead of you in life.

Illusions Of Fitness, Delusions Of Preparedness

In this podcast we discuss Vladimir Alexandrov's book "The Black Russian," and what lessons we may conclude from it. Frederick Bruce Thomas was a black American businessman who made a fortune in czarist Russia in the early 1900s. His life is a fascinating one, and one that has much to teach us today.

"The Black Russian": Lessons Learned From A Fascinating Life

In this podcast, I read some of the recent great tweets I've noticed from small accounts on Twitter. Small Twitter accounts are a refreshing break from the contrived foolery of the mainstream blue-check accounts. They are an underappreciated gold mine of honesty, passion, and tortured grapplings with truth. Let's give some credit where due, and hear what they have to say.

Small Twitter Account Gold: Tweet Reading 1

I've been exploring small Twitter accounts lately. And when I say "small," I generally mean accounts that have less than 50 followers. You'd be surprised how much gold can be found hidden away in these accounts: they tend to be raw, honest, and unconcerned with saying the "right" thing. In this podcast, I discuss how I started doing this, what I've learned, and how I go about it.

Exploring Small Twitter Accounts

This podcast is a reading of H.G. Wells's grisly tale, "The Sea Raiders." An unknown species of man-eating squid terrorizes the inhabitants near Devon, on the English coast.

The Sea-Raiders (A Story by H.G. Wells)

A reader emails me and asks for advice and guidance on how to navigate the passage from youth to middle age. But there are no magic answers, no magic wands. You have to keep moving forward, keep working on yourself, keep focusing on mind, body, and responsibilities. But I also detect some other things in his email, things that are unsaid. We discuss.

"How Do I Transition From Youth To Middle Age?"

A reader reaches out to ask a question that's been troubling him. He was recently re-contacted by an ex-girlfriend from several years ago. She appears to want to start over again with him, but he has his doubts and hesitations. Should he re-open this closed chapter of his life, or should he keep his distance? We discuss.

"Should I Reopen A Closed Chapter?"

The distinguishing feature of our "leaders" today is their near total disregard for putting the mission ahead of themselves. They are unwilling to risk their careers to make the hard calls that would truly benefit society. And because of their moral cowardice, all of us suffer. We see this played out over and over. In this podcast we examine an anecdote from POWs in the Second World War, and discuss its lessons.

"If They Had Lived Up To The Responsibilities That Went With The Privileges"

Sometimes you have to accept the flaws and issues that people have, in order to accomplish the greater good. If you are in a leadership position, the priority is mission accomplishment. All else is secondary. Your people will not all be flawless: some will have issues. If someone is a top performer, sometimes you have to learn to work around those flaws, as long as his abilities merit consideration. In special situations, you have to make allowances for people. Circumstances will be the judge of this principle--and it should not be abused.

Sometimes You Have To Make Allowances For People

There are many people who manifest a lack of thankfulness in their daily lives. This comes across not only in how they treat others, but in how they treat themselves. Lack of gratitude comes down to a failure of will: a failure to appreciate the real potential that lies within, and a failure to understand how short life can be. Stop looking for free handouts, and start being someone who offers value.

The Lack Of Thankfulness

If you are out there pursuing your goals, overcoming obstacles, and blasting through barriers, there will be times when you take on more than you can handle. You will misjudge situations and, as the saying goes, will "bite off more than you can chew." This is part of the growth process. This applies both professionally and personally. Don't let the opinions of others diminish your focus. Deal with the situation as best you can, and chalk it up to life.

Sometimes You Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

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 with listeners. He can be found at www.qcurtius.com

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Quintus Curtius

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