We discuss a moral problem that arose in Japanese prison camps in the Second World War. We discuss how the same moral issue is relevant today, and what Cicero’s response to it would have been.
What duty is owed to our fellow man? When does the pursuit of self-interest go too far?
We often get the impression that the world is in chaos, and that the proverbial sky is falling down. Yet our perceptions are distorted by factors that we often fail to appreciate. We discuss some of them.
A reader has a high-powered job and is able to function effectively in what he does.
But he’s concerned that he may not be as decisive as he needs to be in his personal life.
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.
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?
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?
We deal with two questions in this podcast. One question involves a reader’s concerns about procrastination. Another involves a question about a passage from my book On Duties.
Sometimes we should chase the gazelle, and sometimes we should not.
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.)
This podcast discusses my new book, On Duties. It is the most explanatory, readable, and well-organized translation of Cicero’s classic that is available in English, and perhaps in any language. In this podcast, 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.
Quintus Curtius 
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