Quintus Curtius

The willingness to do what is necessary is an essential condition of success in any enterprise. There are those who are willing to do what is necessary, and those who are not. We discuss an anecdote from Sun Tzu's "Art of War," and several other historical examples, to bring these points into focus.

This podcast deals with two different questions I recently received: 1. A guy in his early 20s feels like his girlfriend is holding him back and smothering him, but he's not sure how to handle the situation. 2. A girl in her 20s is feeling frustrated that she can't find the kind of long-term relationship that she would like to have. We break down both questions, and offer some thoughts.

This is the third podcast I've done on Michael Porfirio, aka The G Manifesto. They've proven to be extremely popular. In this latest episode, we talk about the "Porfirio Insight": the ability to step outside yourself, take stock in your life, and see where you are headed. It's all about the journey, and whether the trip has been a memorable one. We've all only got one life to live...so you'd bette...

I learned a few new travel tips last week, and wanted to share them.

Our society places too much emphasis on the individualistic need to win every argument, to be right in all things, and to impose our will on others. Sometimes, you need to swallow your pride and let things go for the sake of preserving harmony. Stop trying to be "right" all the time. You will find yourself feeling better, less stressed out, and more at peace. Sometimes, being good is more importan...

I recently received an email from a man who is about to ship off to USMC boot camp. He wanted to know if I had any pieces of advice for him before he goes. I offer ten points that I found to be useful from my own experience.

A reader is worried that he's feeling lethargic and unfocused. He's in a rut in his life, and his routine is becoming more and more oppressive. He's not sure what the problem is, and wants to know the best way to deal with the situation.

A reader has a question about the direction he should take in life. His father died recently, and he is feeling the effects of delayed shock and repressed anger. He feels like he has been denied a positive role model. I offer some thoughts and suggestions, using an anecdote and then some commentary.

Coconut debris, machetes, game meats, natural oils, custom suits, and the whole 9 yards. This authorized podcast goes into more details about the themes talked about in my last podcast, "The Surrealistic World of Michael Porfirio." We delve deeper to extract the timeless lessons for the modern man, and explain the nuances. The rest is up to you.

This podcast is a change of pace. I talk about one of my favorite Twitter accounts, the account of @MichaelPorfirio, and I discuss why I think it actually has, in its own way, legitimate artistic merit. Sometimes we need to be thrown curve balls here and there, to keep us all on our toes.

In this podcast I discuss three separate questions sent to me by readers. The questions are: 1. How do I deal with a situation where I'm worried my boss might try to prevent me from getting a new position? 2. What do I think of dress codes and standards? 3. Is there a place for men's organizations?

After saying a few words about the great explorers and travelers of the past, we give a podcast reading of my most recent article, "Charles Sturt: A Pioneer Of Australian Exploration."

In this podcast we discuss David Mamet's 2008 film "Redbelt." This is a great movie, and a worthy addition to his long line of films that explore the moral and ethical problems that men face as they try to reconcile their personal creeds with the world's corrupting influences. How we resolve this struggle will define what kind of man we are.

I spent the recent holidays in Belo Horizonte, which is the capital of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.  It was a fantastic trip, and I wanted to give readers my impressions of the city.

During this holiday season, try to reach out to someone who needs a hand and try to show some kindness. Too often, we all get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget other people also need help.

The theme of this podcast is the subject of escape, and how it is connected with travel and discovery. We explore this theme through the prism of two recent movies: "The Last Days" (2013) and "The Way Back" (2010). (Trailers for both films can be found on my post for this podcast at qcurtius.com).

We explore the theme of the presence of death through two movies: "Biutiful" (2010) and "Amour" (2012). We also discuss Polydore Vergil's comments on the burial customs of various peoples.

A reader has some questions about giving his son advice on educational and career choices. He is torn between emphasizing what is "practical" and what he feels "passionate" about. Which one is more important? And if given the option, which one should be emphasized? I offer six points that might help him in coming to his own conclusions.

In this podcast we discuss three movies: "Good People" (2014), "Smoke and Mirrors" (El Hombre de las Mil Caras)(2016), and the unsettling "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" (2017). Trailers for these films can be seen on the post for this podcast at www.qcurtius.com.

In this podcast we give short reviews of five movies I've seen recently: Hell or High Water (2016) Life (2017) Son of a Gun (2014) Black Snow (2017) Michael Clayton (2007)

A reader who is doing volunteer work says he's feeling underappreciated and taken advantage of in his work. He wants to know to maintain his focus and positivity, and at the same protect himself from being used. We discuss some strategies and insights.

In this podcast we talk about Denis Villenueve's new film, the visually dazzling "Blade Runner 2049."  In conception and execution, this film accomplishes the rare feat of being a sequel that is entirely worthy of its original.  We'll give a few reasons why this movie is worth a careful viewing, and why I think it is a triumph of cinematic art.

In this podcast, we discuss some questions about the role of "Adrastia" or "Nemesis," the ancient goddess of retribution. We also talk about the redemptive power of struggle as the theme of the compelling 2011 film "The Grey."

What is the motive behind North Korea's belligerent behavior? Who is pulling the strings in the background? And what is the best way to resolve this situation? We discuss the power realities in East Asia and explore some options for the United States at home and abroad.

The Italian astronomer Galileo was examined by the Inquisition for heresy in 1633. At issue was his advocacy of the heliocentric (sun-centered) view of the solar system. What was the significance of the trial, and what were the motivations of the participants?