Podcast

“On Moral Ends” Lectures, Part 2 (Podcast)

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This podcast, the second in a series of three, discusses the highlights of books III and IV of Cicero’s “On Moral Ends.” In these two books, Cato and Cicero aggressively debate the merits of Stoicism and its conception of the Ultimate Good. The discussion takes place at Tusculum, Italy, a place that was extensively photographed by the translator in preparation of this work.

When reading books III and IV, ask yourself what you think of the points raised by the disputants. How does Stoicism compare with Epicureanism, in your view?

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“On Moral Ends” Lecture Series: Part 1

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This podcast is the first of a series of three podcasts that will discuss Cicero’s treatise On Moral Ends.  I have just published an illustrated, annotated translation of this rich and nuanced work, and wanted to introduce readers to the book’s major concepts and arguments.  This podcast discusses the following subjects:

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“How Can I Mentor Someone Else”? (Podcast)

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A reader tells how he had a very good mentor when he was young. As an older man, he now wants to be a mentor to a young person, but is not sure of the right way to go about it. We offer some suggestions.

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Keep Moving Forward, No Matter What Happens (Podcast)

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We discuss the importance of continuing to move forward, no matter what happens, and no matter how many bad things happen to you. Everyone’s luck changes for the better sooner or later, and you have to be in the game when it happens.  We compare and contrast the experiences of Nikki Sixx of the rock band Motley Crüe with that of television personality Anthony Bourdain.  We close by reading a few tweets from the G Manifesto.

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Arthur, The Three-Legged Dog (Podcast)

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A reader asks about how he should handle a limitation he believes he has. We respond by telling him an anecdote, and drawing the appropriate lessons from it.

We close on a humorous note by reading some recent tweets by the G Manifesto.  Humor may indeed be the healthiest tonic.

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Travel Tips And Impressions: Athens, Greece

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In this podcast we cover travel tips and impressions learned from my recent trip to Athens. The following areas are covered:

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An Interview With “Online Great Books”

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I was recently interviewed by Online Great Books regarding different aspects of my translating and writing work.  It was a great discussion.

The interview can be found here.

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Virtue Is A Sentinel (Podcast)

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The virtues have been a force promoting social cohesion and stability for thousands of years. As a society becomes more wealthy, it tends to neglect these virtues. The consequences are deeply destructive: loss of social cohesion, indiscipline, greed and moral corruption. History suggests that such societies become ripe for disorder, even collapse.

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“How Can I Help Someone With Anger Issues?” (Podcast)

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A reader says that he has a family member with anger issues. Every time he tries to help the family member, the person lashes out and becomes defensive. Nothing he does seems to make the situation any better. The reader wants to know if there is anything he can do.

We discuss.

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“The King Likes Only Empty Words” (Podcast)

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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.

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