
Cost of Glory
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.
Latest episodes

7 snips
Jun 14, 2022 • 1h 14min
37 - Lysander 2: Thirty Tyrants
CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.Lysander - The Spartan who took down Athens. In this episode: the dangers of success.How (and why) Lysander installed the notorious "Thirty" at Athens, and how he came to be worshipped as a god. Could Sparta contain such a man?Characters:LysanderSocratesTheramenesCritiasKing PausaniasKing AgisThrasyboulusThe ThirtyThe Mob Key Virtues:PatienceFlexibilityObedienceIndifference to MoneyResilience Key Places:AthensSpartaThebesSamosMiletusDelphi

Jun 7, 2022 • 1h 13min
36 - Lysander 1: Death of Democracy
CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.A Spartan; first Greek honored as a god during his lifetime; destroyer of Athenian naval supremacy. In this episode: his rise to power, how he pulled off the greatest naval upset in Greek history, and WHY he did it. Characters:LysanderSocratesXenophonAlcibiadesPrince Cyrus the YoungerAgesilausKing AgisKallikratidasThe Mob Key Virtues:PatienceFlexibilityObedience Key Places:AthensSpartaEphesusDardanelles / Hellespont

May 24, 2022 • 9min
35 - Socrates on Public Shaming
CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.A story about how Socrates reacted when he got publicly shamed.

May 10, 2022 • 9min
34 - Harry Truman on Plutarch
Harry Truman, a great admirer of Plutarch's lives, discusses his fascination with Plutarch and how it shaped his views. He believed in the value of reading Plutarch's lives and used them as a source of wisdom and guidance throughout his political career. Truman shares anecdotes about recommending Plutarch to young protégés and highlights the importance of learning from history and biography to improve interpersonal skills.

Apr 27, 2022 • 10min
33 - How to Learn Free Speech
Exploring the concept of free speech and its relevance in modern media. Emphasizing the importance of effective communication skills and self-restraint in free speech. Drawing connections between ancient times and the challenges of expression in the modern world.

6 snips
Apr 13, 2022 • 17min
32 - The Sovereign Mind
CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.What combination of habits produces both strength and peace? How do we become more sovereign over our lives, over ourselves? With some references from a famous, classic text from Plutarch's works.

Mar 29, 2022 • 11min
31 - Aristotle's Quadrivium; Season 2 ANNOUNCEMENT!
Exploring the concept of leisure and its significance. The importance of the Trivium and Quadrivium in education. Aristotle's views on drawing, music, and leisure. Preview of next biography on Spartan general, Lysander.

4 snips
Mar 15, 2022 • 21min
30 - Comparison - Pyrrhus and Marius
CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.What did Pyrrhus and Marius had in common, what lessons can be drawn for leaders?

Mar 8, 2022 • 21min
29 - The Joy of a Humorless Stoic - Publius Rutilius Rufus
Join us as we explore the life of Publius Rutilius Rufus, a Stoic philosopher and statesman who challenges the common perception of Stoics as humorless. Discover his honesty, integrity, work ethic, and unfortunate political downfall. Follow his journey through political struggles, adversity, and corruption. Reflect on Roman politics and oratory with Rutilius and learn about his lasting legacy as a Stoic sage who faced unjust treatment with unwavering integrity.

8 snips
Mar 1, 2022 • 18min
28 - Marius Aftermath and Takeaways
CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.3 Lessons for Leaders from the Life of Marius. Also, what happened after Marius died?
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