Cost of Glory
Alex Petkas
The most influential biographies ever written, admired by leaders, creators, soldiers, and thinkers for nearly 2,000 years: Plutarch’s Parallel lives. Essential listening for anyone striving after greatness. Alex Petkas, former professor of ancient philosophy and history, revives and dramatically retells these unforgettable stories for modern audiences. The subjects are statesmen, generals, orators, and founders; pious and profane, stoics and hedonists. The stakes bear on the future of Western civilization. The cost of glory is always great. Visit costofglory.com to find out more.
Episodes
Mentioned books
22 snips
Aug 26, 2024 • 1h 13min
95 - Gallic Wars 5: Uprisings
Julius Caesar's riveting return to Britain faced unexpected uprisings and strategic challenges against local tribes. Personal tragedies, especially the loss of his daughter Julia, influenced his decisions on the battlefield. The chaos in Gaul reaches a peak with the devastating surprise attack by the Eberones tribe, showcasing intense leadership dynamics. As it all unfolds, Caesar's strategic maneuvers lead to remarkable victories amid the fierce realities of warfare and shifting alliances. The saga captures both military genius and human emotion in a powerful narrative.
16 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 58min
94 - Gallic Wars 4: Amphibious Assault
In a gripping tale of conquest, Julius Caesar boldly crosses two major rivers while preparing to delve into the Gallic territories. The podcast delves into the peculiar lifestyles of ancient warriors and their disdain for settled life. It highlights Caesar's genius in constructing a bridge over the Rhine, showcasing Roman engineering prowess. Tension rises as Caesar confronts the Germanic tribes, and his ambitious invasion of Britain reveals fierce resistance and the complexities of military aspirations. A blend of strategy, culture, and audacity unfolds!
24 snips
Jul 19, 2024 • 1h 3min
93 - Gallic Wars 3: Caesar At Sea
Caesar faces challenges from sea-faring Veneti, uses political games for strategy, and showcases ship technology. Learn about the importance of classical languages for communication and Ancient Language Institute's courses. Explore Caesar's military triumphs in Gaul, Senate's financial support, and victory in naval battle. Discover parallels between Caesar's military organization and early United States' approach to success.
35 snips
Jul 3, 2024 • 52min
92 - Gallic Wars 2: Conspiracy
Discover Caesar's intense battles and sieges against the powerful Belgae, his victory over the Nervii tribe showcasing his strategic leadership, and his political triumph in Rome with significant accomplishments in Gaul.
35 snips
Jun 19, 2024 • 1h 18min
91 - Gallic Wars 1: Caesar's Chance
Exploring Caesar's Gallic campaign, storytelling, and strategy. Delving into Roman-Gallic relations, Helvetii's failed attempts, and Caesar's tactical brilliance. Encounter with German king Ariovistus and triumph over him. Unveiling dark secrets of Egyptian Ammana period through clay tablets.
78 snips
Jun 12, 2024 • 1h 21min
90 - Heroes are Dangerous: Rousseau & Nietzsche with Johnathan Bi
Former startup professional turned researcher Johnathan Bi discusses Rousseau's impact, the duality of heroism, selfish glory in Silicon Valley, the difference between desire for power and execution, and tech startups' non-egalitarian nature
16 snips
Jun 7, 2024 • 60min
89 - A Manual for Greatness — with Johnny Burtka
Johnny Burtka discusses mirrors for princes, leadership qualities of historical figures like Cyrus and Cicero, cultivation of greatness, and the enduring power of Washington's Farewell Address. The episode explores various leadership paths and the mission of ISI in shaping future American leaders.
May 30, 2024 • 55min
88 - Mysteries of the Scrolls — with Nat Friedman
Nat Friedman, former CEO of GitHub, discusses the Vesuvius Challenge to unlock the Herculaneum Papyri using a particle accelerator. Topics include prize incentives for contests, childhood experiences in open-source communities, and the possible resurgence of Epicureanism.
13 snips
May 22, 2024 • 51min
87 - Pursuing Greatness — with Pano Kanelos
Pano Kanelos discusses founding a university, ancient philosophers as men of action, the Intellectual Foundations Program, and the importance of heroes and truth-tellers in forming communities. The podcast also explores self-reflection, pursuing greatness, and analyzing scenes from literature like 'The Brothers Karamazov' and Julius Caesar.
9 snips
May 8, 2024 • 40min
86 - Pompey: Aftermath, Comparison w/ Spartan King Agesilaus
Comparative analysis of Pompey and Spartan King Agesilaus, legacy and honor in aftermath of Pompey's death, contrasting leadership styles, exploration of choices in history and business partnerships, and analysis of Pompey's failures and Caesar's strengths.
