The Roman engineer and architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollio (c. 75 B.C.–c. 15 A.D.) wrote an extensive and invaluable work (De Architectura) that describes all types of topics in construction and building. We will here describe his interesting (and somewhat amusing) method of locating water springs. This information can be found in book VIII, ch. 1 of his treatise.
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.
The armies of the belligerents who went to war in 1914 carried rifles that today might be considered quaint. They had handsome wooden finishes, were designed for long-range fire, and were so robust that they could withstand all manner of abuse in the harsh trench environments in which they were used.
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Here’s a quick summary of some recent movies.
Director: Robert Eggers
One of the best experiences a movie lover can have is to stumble on a new talent or underappreciated gem. I had this experience when watching this carefully-made art-house horror film; it’s the debut effort of Robert Eggers.
Small arms commentators have been predicting the demise of the submachine gun ever since the assault rifle made its inception at the end of the Second World War. And yet the weapon is still here with us. While not part of the front-line military outfit of most modern armies, it nevertheless has a role in security work and with certain special forces units. In close quarters combat, few things are more effective than a submachine gun.
In this podcast episode, 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?
The Stoner 63 System was one of those “what ifs” of small arms weapons design. The basic concept behind the system was an attempt to make use of the modular idea of interchangeability: 17 core modular “units” could be assembled to produce various types of weapons for use in different roles.
Readers may know that I’ve written two previous articles here on General William Slim’s Burma campaign during the Second World War. His memoirs continue to provide me with gems of advice on morale, conduct, and taking action.
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?
In 1942, military forces of the Empire of Japan entered Burma and expelled the British from the country. It was one of many disasters of the war’s early years. At the time, few believed that Allied forces in Burma would be able to reconstitute themselves.
Quintus Curtius 
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