Camels, Eyes Of Needles, And An Old Proverb

Quintus Curtius Language, Thought , ,

Readers are likely to have heard, in one form or another, the New Testament proverb, “And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24).  The saying is an old one, and probably was in common currency centuries before its alleged utterance by Jesus.  I find proverbs and adages interesting, as they contain not just worldly wisdom, but information about the culture and period in which they were composed.  This point was recently impressed upon me while reading a forgotten bit of nineteenth-century travel literature, the Rev. F.J. Arundell’s 1834 memoir Discoveries in Asia Minor.

Continue reading →

Two Recent Questions From Readers (Podcast)

Quintus Curtius Podcast , ,

In this podcast we deal with two recent emails. One email asks about the military:  what lessons did I learn, and how did it change me.  Another email is from a man asking about what subjects he should be studying in college, and what sort of career he should pursue.  There are no easy answers to these questions, but just talking about them can be of real benefit.

Continue reading →

The Chain Of Fortune Links The Fates Of Men

Quintus Curtius History, Thought ,

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.

Continue reading →

A Pineapple Plantation, Sete Cidades, Ribeira Grande, And More

Quintus Curtius Travel & Exploration , , , ,

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.

Continue reading →

Visiting Lagoa Do Fogo, A Tea Factory, Santa Iria, Lagoa Das Furnas, And More

Quintus Curtius Travel & Exploration , , , , ,

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.

Continue reading →

Ponta Delgada, San Miguel, The Azores

Quintus Curtius Travel & Exploration , , ,

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.

Continue reading →

On Choosing Between Alternatives

Quintus Curtius Thought , ,

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.

Continue reading →

Where Have All The Leaders Gone? (Podcast)

Quintus Curtius Podcast , ,

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.

Continue reading →

The Merciful Filtration Of Memory

Quintus Curtius Thought , , ,

James Boswell, in his 1785 memoir Tour to the Hebrides, makes the following psychological observation:

Continue reading →

Two Questions From Readers: A Failed Relationship, And A Career Question (Podcast)

Quintus Curtius Podcast , , ,

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.

Continue reading →