Quintus Curtius

When choosing or pursuing a career, should we base our decision on "idealism" or on "practicality"? What is the balance between doing what you love and what can earn you a living? And how do we find this balance? We explore some answers.

We address the following reader questions: 1. Are men becoming "infantilized" in today's society? 2. What is the difference between a "loser" and someone who is just going through a rough period? 3. Do women "dislike" male self-improvement?

"On Duties" deals with a very large number of topics. One of the most important unifying threads of the book is the idea of "greatness of soul." What is it? Why is it relevant? Note: The second passage I discuss is "On Duties" I.44 (I accidentally gave the incorrect citation number in the podcast).

Two questions are dealt with in this podcast. One reader has a question about procrastination. Another reader has an interpretation question about a passage from "On Duties."

A reader is concerned that he may be setting expectations and goals for himself that are not in accord with reality or practicality. He is wondering if he should make adjustments, but does't really know if he's just at a sticking point, or if he should change course altogether. I offer four suggestions for him to think about.

A 23-year-old reader in a European country is undecided what career path to take. He has narrowed down his choices training in art or training in law. But he's not sure which one is best for him. I offer my own thoughts, and then some thoughts gleaned from my translation of Cicero's "On Duties" (which is now available on Amazon.)

My new book, "On Duties," is the most explanatory, readable, and well-organized translation of Cicero's classic that is available in English, and perhaps in any language. I provide the three reasons why this is so. I also discuss the great theme running through the book: the idea of greatness of spirit. What is greatness of spirit, and why is it important?

A reader notes that the previous generations failed to prevent the corruption and decay afflicting the US in the modern era. How did this happen? The short answer is that wealth and ease breed laziness and corruption. Tune in for more details.

A young man from Australia writes that he feels a general malaise and depression, and finds it difficult to get motivated. I offer some blunt talk to put things in perspective. I also provide some specific guidance on how he can break out of his old patterns.

A reader wants to know how reliable his intuition is. Should he rely on it, or should he instead fall back on his powers of rational analysis and deliberation? It's a great question.

A follower on Twitter says that he's finding it hard to get and stay motivated. He wants to know what things he can do to keep up his intensity level.

An engineer wants to know the best way he should leave his high-paying but low-satisfaction job, and start his own business. Are some ways better than others? What considerations should he be thinking about?

What are some ways that a person can get real-world leadership experience quickly? We discuss some options. I also give my thoughts on the four most important leadership traits and principles.

We deal with two questions in this podcast. A reader asks whether he needs a mentor to find success. In the second part of the podcast, we hear from the writer Jorge Luis Borges on how he triumphed over his blindness by creating a new reality for himself. It's an inspiring story and a critical lesson.

One reader thinks his test scores in school could use some improvement. He sees some mediocre people getting good test results, and wants to know how he can improve this skill set.

A reader is distressed about something he has been accused of at his university. He seems to be tormented by guilt. I explain how important it is for us to forgive ourselves when we've done something wrong, and move on.

A reader needs some suggestions on how to handle a "friend" who he has known for a while. This person is cool to him when they are alone, but when girls are around, he seems to make jokes at his expense to ingratiate himself with the girls. What are some good ways to handle this?

A reader has a business in the United States but wants to begin traveling and living abroad. He eventually wants to split his time between the US and Colombia. What is the best way to do this? I offer some suggestions. "All that will be left, eventually, will be the grin of the Cheshire cat."

A reader feels frustrated because it seems that he is not being rewarded for his ethical behavior. He thinks unethical people are being rewarded wrongly. He sees a conflict between what is ethical, and what is advantageous, and wants to know how to resolve it.

A reader doesn't like how his girlfriend is behaving. She's pulling away, and not responding the way he would like. He feels like he's not valued as much as he should be. He wants to know if he can do anything to "make her appreciate him" more.

A reader writes that he is beginning to doubt some of the tenets of the religion he grew up with. He is dealing with doubt, and is not sure how to handle it.

I interview Ace Johnson, the co-founder of the knife manufacturing company www.delta2alpha.com, about his recent adventure trip to Tasmania. Great experiences and adventure...with a 18 mile march to the airport thrown in for good measure.

I comment on an article written by a junior officer who doesn't feel challenged by his job and is disillusioned with it. I respond with some thoughts of my own.

Today we deal with two separate questions from two different readers: 1. How do I get rid of negativity in my life from people around me? 2. How can I get along best in a politically-correct environment?

This podcast answers unrelated questions from two different readers: 1. What did I mean in a certain sentence from "Thirty-Seven"? 2. What guidance should a young guy get who isn't sure he's in the right career?