The British invasion of the Dardanelles in 1915 is a text-book example of how wishful thinking and imagination can override sound judgment and careful planning. The idea of knocking Turkey out of the war with an amphibious landing at Gallipoli, followed by a march on Istanbul, was in principle strategically sound; but as a practical matter, the British simply lacked the tools and leadership for the job.
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Yesterday saw a lot of travel around São Miguel. We started at a pineapple plantation near Ponta Delgada. Pineapples are here called “ananas” instead of the word they use in Brazil, which is abacaxi. I’m told there is a botanical difference between these two words, depending on who you speak to. Those interested in learning more can find an informative discussion on Quora about it here. The cultivation of the pineapple is very sophisticated, and the fruit here is the best I’ve ever tasted.
We explored more of the island of San Miguel today. Starting off early in the morning, we drove by van to the volcanic lake known as Lagoa do Fogo. It’s a very scenic drive from the city of Ponta Delgada, and I was impressed with how organized and well-planned the agricultural efforts are here.
I arrived in Ponta Delgada on the island of San Miguel in the Azores early yesterday morning. I have had a chance to do a bit of exploring of the city, and have some short trips lined up for the coming week. I’m very impressed so far; the climate is temperate and pleasant, and the overall “feel” of the city is very congenial. I was surprised at how different the idiom here is compared to the style of Portuguese spoken in Brazil. It is very different, at least to me.
Many times in life we will be faced with a choice between two or more alternatives. As we weigh each option, it may become difficult to know which choice is best; the strengths and merits of each possibility cancel each other out, and we are left only with indecision.
Does it sometimes seem as if there are no leaders of substance any more? That, as we look around the world, or around our nation, every so-called “leader” is a mediocrity who does nothing of consequence? Did leaders of previous eras have better character and overall fortitude? We ask whether this sweeping generalization has some elements of truth, and make some related observations.
James Boswell, in his 1785 memoir Tour to the Hebrides, makes the following psychological observation:
In this podcast, we deal with two different questions from two different readers. The first question is from a girl who has recently broken up with her boyfriend, and can’t decide if she should “give it a second chance.” There are complications. The second question is from a high school student who wants to know how he can combine a “great books” program with military school. We offer some thoughts.
It often happens that we are forced to accept what we wish to avoid. Avarice, for example, defeats itself; and the miser who in futility clings to every penny finds himself compelled to part with greater sums than he might otherwise have spent. The health fanatic who obsesses about every morsel of food that goes into his mouth, or cup that is pressed to his lips, finds himself harassed by ailments and bodily infirmity, while the moderate enjoyer of pleasure scarcely has a need to visit the physician. The athlete fixated on avoiding injury brings it down upon himself.
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This podcast is a great conversation I had with my friend Carlo Prater, who has been an accomplished MMA fighter for 17 years. He discusses the mental steps he goes through before, during, and after a bout, as well as other general thoughts on life and work. Don’t miss it!
Quintus Curtius 
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