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  • Thanks to our sponsor SensAi (https://sens.ai/): a neurofeedback brain training system that can change your life. I'm a user.

    Use the code GLORY at checkout to get a $100 off discount on one of their headsets


    Part 2 of 3 of the Life of Cato the Younger. In this episode:

    Cato confronts the rising power of Caesar and Pompey in the SenateThe scandalous note from Servilia that backfired on CatoHis principled handling of the Cyprus annexation missionThe formation of the First Triumvirate and Cato's resistanceHis memorable year as Praetor and battles against corruptionThe death of Julia and Crassus sets the stage for civil war

    A story of political intrigue, street violence, and the struggle to preserve Republican institutions against the rising tide of populist strongmen. At the heart of it all stands Cato, refusing to compromise his principles even as Rome's political system crumbles around him.

  • Join us in Austin for the Cost of Glory Men's Retreat. January 23-26. Theme: Caesar https://costofglory.com/retreat

    Thanks Reid Powers - who sponsors this episode in honor of his father, the late Bill Powers, past president of UT Austin.


    Episode 1 of the Life of Cato the Younger, Rome's great Stoic statesman.

    In this episode:

    Cato's earliest years and the murder of his uncleHis first encounter with Sulla as a precocious youthCato establishes his reputation: in military service and as QuaestorA Principled stand against Julius Caesar


    On this centennial episode, I'd like to thank all of my listeners and patrons. On to the next hundred!

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  • How to make progress, and know it. Featuring a few of Plutarch's critiques of some Stoics of his day - whether fairly or unfairly, you can decide.

    Also featuring: Diogenes the Cynic, Aeschylus the Poet, Brasidas the Spartan Commander.

    Also featuring: ZEAL

  • Caesar ties all loose ends in his Gallic Campaign, in part 8, the final episode of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico).

    This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller.

    Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.

    In this episode:

    Final skirmishes with the Bituriges and the CarnutesSiege of a hill-fort, and Caesar takes arms (literally)Conclusion of a bloody chapter, and some takeaways

    Cost of Glory is an Infinite Media production — and big thanks to Dr. Richard Johnson of the great city of New York for sponsoring this episode and many others in this series!


    Coffee + Great Heroes of History = Imperium Coffee. They make great roasts and are big fans of CoG - use code COSTOFGLORY when you checkout for a discount.

    See my favorite, Sertorius Roast - co-designed by yours truly.
    https://imperium.coffee/roasts/sertorius/

  • Caesar faces the Gallic Grande Armée through fire and snow, in part 7, the climax of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico).

    This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller.

    Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.

    In this episode:

    Slaughterings begin at CenabumThe Incendiary Tactics of VercingetorixRebellion amongst Roman AlliesCaesar loses Gregovia……but clinches victory at AlesiaVercingetorix falls, sealing the fate of Gaul

    Thanks to our sponsor Shokworks ! - Shokworks provides consulting and development to offer ROI - positive, enterprise-grade custom software solutions for companies of any size. To find out more, reach out to [email protected] or visit https://shokworks.io.

  • Caesar fights through enemy tribes and orders a Purge in his manhunt for Ambiorix, in part 6 of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico).

    This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller.

    Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.

    In this episode:

    The hunt for the crafty Ambiorix and his renegade tribeThe exploits of Titus Labienus and of Publius Sextius BaculusHints of Civil War…(and Druids and ancient cows)

    Thanks to Ancient Language Institute and long time CoG fan Dr. Richard Johnson for sponsoring this episode!

    P.S.—If you’re interested in sponsoring an episode, feel free to get in touch, any support is highly appreciated as it helps me create more high quality work.

  • The mighty Caesar returns to Britain, and faces uprisings and deadly skirmishes in Gaul, in part 5 of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico).

    This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller.

    Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.

    In this episode:

    Caesar’s return to BritainA deep personal lossThe worst disaster of the entire Gallic Campaign

    Subscribe to the CoG Substack to get high quality transcripts w/ MAPS AND IMAGES. Here's the transcript for this episode.

    P.S.—If you’re interested in sponsoring an episode, feel free to get in touch, any support is highly appreciated as it helps me create more high quality work.

  • Caesar crosses two major bodies of water (and he hasn’t even gotten to the Rubicon yet), in part 4 of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico).

    This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller.

    Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.

    In this episode:

    The Suebi and their strange waysCaesar builds a bridgeCaesar’s first landing in Britain

    Subscribe to the CoG Substack to get high quality transcripts w/ MAPS AND IMAGES.
    Here's the transcript for this episode.

    (Ep. cover art by Peter Jackson)

  • Caesar faces enemies at home and on sea, in part 3 of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico).

    This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller.

    Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.

    In this episode:

    Caesar faces the sea-faring people of VenetiCaesar plays political gamesShip technology, and military strategy

    Subscribe to the CoG Substack to get high quality transcripts w/ MAPS AND IMAGES. Transcript for this episode here.

  • Caesar almost loses it all, in part 2 of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico).

    This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller.

    Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.

    In this episode:
    -A conspiracy of the powerful, warlike Belgae (Belgian tribes).
    -The battle of the Sabis, against the Nervii
    -Caesar's terrifying siege tactics

    Subscribe to the CoG Substack to get high quality transcripts w/ MAPS AND IMAGES. Here's the one for this episode.

    This episode is sponsored by our very generous sponsor, Dr. Richard Johnson, an avid Cost of Glory listener. Thanks Richard!

  • The beginning of a new series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic Wars (De Bello Gallico). It’s a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller.

    Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.

    I’m having a blast revisiting this classic, and I think you will too.

    Subscribe to the CoG Substack to get high quality transcripts w/ MAPS AND IMAGES - here's the one for this episode.

    This episode is sponsored by Ancient Language Institute. If you want to be like Caesar, you should learn an ancient language (Caesar knew Greek in addition to his native Latin). The Ancient Language Institute will help you do just that. Registration is now open (till August 10th) for their Fall term where you can take advanced classes in Latin, Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew, and Old English.


    If you like Cost of Glory, Check out the Anthology of Heroes podcast! Here on: Spotify or Apple Podcasts

  • Johnathan Bi left success in the startup world to focus on researching the deep ideas that power the world, and has recently launched his series on the Great Books of the West, starting with his lecture on Nietzsche.


    In this episode:

    What is Rousseau’s impact on the world?Johnathan’s Journey towards the Great Thinkers and their BooksThe Duality of Heroism & Rousseau as Hero WorshipperRousseau’s balanced treatments of Nietzsche’s IdeasWhy do we need Heroes?The Difference between Desire for Power and Execution of that PowerSilicon Valley Entrepreneurs and their Selfish Desire for GloryThe Hero vs. The CitizenThe Degeneration of Modern LanguagesThe Core of Nietzsche’s Interest in the Great Heroes of the PastTech Startups are Non-Egalitarian!Rome Against Judea

    Resources mentioned:

    Johnathan’s Interview and Lecture Series: Great Books of the WestRousseau’s Discourse on This Question: Which Is the Virtue Most Necessary for a Hero and Which Are the Heroes Who Lacked This Virtue?Johnathan’s Newsletter

    Subscribe to our Substack for transcripts and updates!
    Show transcript here

  • An interview with Johnny Burtka, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. He is a graduate of Hillsdale College, and his most recent book is titled “Gateway to Statesmanship—Selections from Xenophon to Churchill”.


    In this episode:

    The Mirrors for Princes traditionObstacles as a Ladder to GreatnessThe Potency of Xenophon’s ‘Education of Cyrus’The Leadership Qualities of CyrusThe Complex Enduring Power of Cicero’s ‘On Duties’Cultivating Greatness of Soul and the Magnitudo Animi of ChurchillMachiavelli as Practitioner, not Political PhilosopherWhere should an 18-year old dedicate himself to?Washington’s Farewell Address as a Beautiful Political Text

    Books Mentioned:

    Gateway to Statesmanship—Selections from Xenophon to Churchill by Johnny BurtkaEducation of Cyrus by XenophonOn Duties by CiceroThe Founders: The Story of PayPal and the Entrepreneurs Who Shaped Silicon Valley by Jimmy SoniWalking with Destiny by Andrew Roberts

    For the episode transcript, be sure to subscribe to my Substack!

    Thanks to our sponsor Intercollegiate Studies Institute! Check out their programs on supporting quality thought and intellectual life in and after your college years.

  • An interview with Nat Friedman, former CEO of GitHub and creator of the Vesuvius Challenge, which aims to crack the riddles of the Herculaneum Papyri.


    In this episode:

    The Genesis of the Vesuvius ChallengeEarly Attempts to Open the ScrollsUsing a Particle Accelerator to Scan the Scrolls!Partnering with Daniel Gross and Brent SealesNat’s Childhood experience with Open-source CommunitiesHow to Design Prize Incentives for a Complex ContestDoing Crazy, Strange and Risky ProjectsA Possible Resurgence of Epicureanism?


    For the episode transcript, be sure to subscribe to my Substack!


    This episode is sponsored by Ancient Language Institute. If you’re interested in actually reading the newly unlocked scrolls, you will need to know the languages of the ancient world. The Ancient Language Institute will help you do just that. Registration is now open (till August 10th) for their Fall term where you can take advanced classes in Latin, Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew, and Old English.

  • An interview with Pano Kanelos, the founding president of the University of Austin and the former President of St. John’s College, Annapolis.


    In this episode:

    How founding a university is like running a dinerThe flourishing of American universities in the 19th centuryHow old philosophers were men of actionThe Intellectual Foundations Program at UATXHow The Brothers Karamazov explains our current momentPursuing Greatness by finding your North StarPlutarch on self-reflectionWhy Heroes and Truth-tellers are needed when forming communitiesAnalyzing the opening scene from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar

  • In which we follow the lead of Plutarch and study Pompey's character and analyze what we can learn from the life of Pompey the Great, by comparing him to King Agesilaus of Sparta, whom Plutarch paired him with.

    Sources and Further Reading for the Life of Pompey:

    John Leach, Pompey the Great: https://amzn.to/3UxOsW8

    Robin Seager, Pompey: a Political Biography: https://amzn.to/3UPpeUg

    Gareth Sampson: Rome's Great Eastern War, Lucullus, Pompey and the Conquest of the East: https://amzn.to/3wrVGD1

    -The Battle of Dyrrhachium: https://amzn.to/3wp4Wro

    -The Battle of Pharsalus: https://amzn.to/3ULWJHk

    -"Rome in Crisis" Penguin edition of Plutarch:

    https://amzn.to/4b2WgGv (feat. Lives of Sertorius, Lucullus, and Cato the Younger)

    -"Fall of the Roman Republic" Penguin Plutarch Volume: https://amzn.to/4a7vpYw (feat. Lives of Sulla, Crassus, Pompey, Caesar, and Cicero)

  • Life of Pompey Part 3 of 3: Pompey's final rise to the heights of Roman power, his war with his friend Julius Caesar, and his final downfall.

    People:

    (M. Tullius) Cicero

    (Titus Pomponius) Atticus

    C. Julius Caesar

    Cn. Pompeius Magnus (Pompey)

    Julia, Caesar's Daughter

    (M. Licinius) Crassus

    (L. Domitius) Ahenobarbus - Optimate Stalwart (Cos. 54)

    (M. Porcius) Cato "The Younger" - the Stoic

    (M. Calpurnius) Bibulus - Cos. 59

    P. Clodius Pulcher - Populist Thug lord

    (T. Annius) Milo - Pompey's Thug lord

    M. Caelius (Rufus) - Cicero's young political analyst friend

    Publius Licinius Crassus - The Richest Man's Son

    Cornelia - Pompey's final wife

    (Q. Caecilius) Metellus (Pius) Scipio - Pompey's new Father in Law

    Aulus Gabinius - Pompey's friend, exiled after Egyptian expedition

    Ptolemy XII Auletes ("The Piper") - exiled king of Egypt

    (C. Scribonius) Curio - Optimate turncoat, Caesar's tribune

    M. Antonius (Mark Antony)

    M. Claudius Marcellus - Optimate stalwart (Cos 51)

    C. Claudius Marcellus - Optimate stalwart (Cos. 50, cousin of Cos. 51)

    M. Favonius - "Stamp, Pompey!" Senator

    Themistocles - Athenian statesman

    Camillus - 4th c. BC Roman statesman

    T. Labienus - Caesar's general, deserted to Pompey

    (M. Junius) Brutus - Future Conspirator

    Theophanes of Mytilene - the Historian

    Crassianus - Caesar's centurion at Pharsalus

    Cratippus of Pergamon - Philosopher at Mytilene

    Ptolemy XIII - Boy king of Egypt

    Potheinus - Ptolemy XIII's Eunuch

    Achillas - Ptolemy XIII's General

    Theodotus - Ptolemy XIII's Rhetoric Teacher

    Philippus - Pompey's freedman

    Places:

    The Roman Forum

    The Tiber River

    Parthia

    Carrhae (Battle of) - in Mesopotamia (Parthian Empire)

    Gaul (Mod. France)

    Pompey's Theater ("Temple of Venus")

    Alesia (Battle of) - in Gaul

    Naples (Neapolis)

    Ravenna (N. Italy, "Cisalpine Gaul" then)

    Rubicon River

    Ariminum (Rimini)

    Corfinium - Italian town in the Apennines

    Brundisium - Eastern Port in Italy

    Dyrrhachium (Mod. Durrës) - in Epirus (Rom. province of Macedonia)

    Thessaly - large plain in central Greece

    Pharsalus - town in Thessaly

    Tempē - Valley in Thessaly

    Mytilene - City on island of Lesbos


    Thanks to our sponsor Intercollegiate Studies Institute! www.isi.org. Check out their programs on supporting quality thought and intellectual life in and after your college years.

  • Pompey becomes Rome’s greatest conqueror, and empire builder, but faces even greater trials back home in Rome.

    People

    Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, "Pompey the Great"
    Sulla Felix, the Dictator

    Pompey

    The Pirates

    Posidonius the Stoic

    Mithridates VI Eupator, King of Pontus

    Lucius Licinius Lucullus

    Cicero, the Orator

    Manilius, the Tribune

    Julius Caesar

    Theophanes of Mytilene

    Queen Monime

    Tigranes the Great of Armenia

    Tigranes the Younger, Prince

    Albani(ans) of Caucasus

    Iberians of Caucasus

    King Phraates of Parthia

    The Parthians

    Antiochus XIII, Seleucid King

    Aretas, King of the Nabatean Arabs

    Aristobulus of Judea

    Hyrcanus of Judea

    Aulus Gabinius

    Josephus (Jewish Historian)

    Marcus Licinius Crassus, Richest Man in Rome

    Marcus Porcius Cato (the Younger)

    Metellus Celer

    Metellus Nepos

    M. Calpurnius Bibulus

    Publius Clodius Pulcher, Slum Lord

    Milo

    Julia

    Domitius Ahenobarbus

    Places

    Sicily

    Sardinia

    Corsica

    North Africa

    Rhodes

    Cilicia

    Cappadocia

    Galatia

    Armenia

    Artaxata

    Mt Ararat

    Sophene

    Syria

    Bithynia

    Pontus

    Caucasus

    Colchis

    Albania (Caucasus)

    Iberia (Caucasus)

    Bosphoran Kingdom (Crimea / Azov)

    Damascus

    Petra (Arabia)

    Judea

    Jordan River Valley

    Jericho

    Jerusalem

    Campus Martius

    Alban Hills / Lake / Villa

    Luca

    Image: The Triumph of Pompey, Gabriel de Saint-Aubin, 1765. Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art


    Thanks to our sponsor Intercollegiate Studies Institute! www.isi.org. Check out their programs on supporting quality thought and intellectual life in and after your college years.

  • Pompey, the Great. Part 1 of 3. Pompey's rise to become one of Rome's greatest generals - before he's even old enough to hold office. How he got the nickname of "Kid Butcher" or "The Butcher Boy".

    Thanks to our Sponsor, Intercollegiate Studies Institute! www.isi.org

    Key Names:
    Agesilaus of Sparta
    Julius Caesar
    Alexander the Great
    Pompeius STRABO (father)
    Social War
    Gaius MARIUS (populist consul)
    Lucius Cornelius CINNA (populist consul)
    Lucius Cornelius SULLA (optimate consul & dictator)
    MITHRIDATES - King of Pontus
    Gnaeus Papirius CARBO (populist consul)
    Antistia (first wife)
    Marcus Licinius CRASSUS
    Marcus Aemilus LEPIDUS (rebel consul)
    Marcus Junius BRUTUS (Father of the conspirator)
    Quintus Lutatius CATULUS (optimate stalwart)
    Quintus Sertorius
    Quintus Caecilus METELLUS PIUS (P's fellow general in Spain)
    Marcus PERPERNA (populist ally of Sertorius)
    Spartacus
    Marcus Terentius VARRO (the scholar)
    Lucius Licinius LUCULLUS (rival general)
    Quintus HORTENSIUS Hortalus (optimate stalwart)
    Aulus GABINIUS (P's tribune buddy)
    The Pirates
    "Quirites" (the Roman citizenry)

    Key Places:
    Rome
    Picenum
    Asculum
    North Africa
    Mutina
    Spain
    Lauron
    Sucro River
    Ostia (Rome's port)

    [Jeremy Giffon on Invest like the Best Podcast, ep. 336: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Vdv5i250hF6EfzOTML9RE?si=98bacff34a7244e9]


    Thanks to our sponsor Intercollegiate Studies Institute! www.isi.org. Check out their programs on supporting quality thought and intellectual life in and after your college years.

  • Check out Ralston College's FUNDED MA program: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma !

    ...Plutarch offers some advice on how to choose your friends, and how to be a good one. Examples include Alexander the Great, Cato, Carneades, Plato, Dionysius the Tyrant, and more.

    (Here depicted: the monument of Philopappus in Athens, to whom Plutarch's essay is dedicated)