Cost of Glory

CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.This is the story of how Gaius Marius went from being the Greatest Man in Rome to Public Enemy #1.But Marius, usually master of the political narrative, ended up having his story written by his political rivals.  What was the true character of this surprisingly elusive figure?What is worth imitating? What is worth avoiding?  Before fully answering these questions, we must understand the details of his story, one of the most dramatic and memorable sequences in all of Plutarch’s lives.On today’s podcast:One way to respond when you’re being underminedThe problem with putting off legitimate political complaints Marius, Drusus, and the beginning of the Social War Sulla, Marius, and the beginning of the Civil War Marius’ harrowing escapeThe prophecy about Marius’ 7 consulshipsThe Bloody Return of MariusLinks:Thanks to our sponsor - ideamarket.io -  @ideamarket_io on twitter!Thanks to our guest narrator, Justin Murphy! visit otherlife.co, indiethinkers.org, or @jmrphy on twittter

CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.In this episode, Gaius Marius goes from upstart commander to Third Founder of Rome.Roman writer and historian Sallust said Marius possessed Virtus (“manliness, prowess, virtue” - but, was Marius ultimately a “good man”? In part two of The Life of Gaius Marius, Marius captures Jugurtha, he enlists the help of a prophetess to annihilate an army of Teutones, and triumphs over the Cimbri at the Battle of Vercellae.  And how he became six times Roman consul.But in order to reach the top, Marius had to dispatch political enemies, and make alliances with some dubious characters.  Was it worth it? Thanks to sponsor ideamarket.io! (@ideamarket_io)On today’s podcast:The power of narrativeHow to commandeer a war from a decorated generalMarius the Military Reformer and StrategistThe battles of Arausio, Aquae Sextiae, VercellaeThird Founder of RomeHow to engineer the downfall of a rivalLinks:ideamarket.io

CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.Hated by many contemporaries, admired by even more - and later Romans, such as the emperor Augustus.  “Seven times Consul, Praetor, Tribune of the Plebs, Quaestor, Augur, Military Tribune, Marius waged war against Jugurtha, the King of Numidia and captured him. He annihilated an army of Teutones. He triumphed over the Cimbri…”Gaius Marius, an outsider, an Italian…  A story of rising from obscurity to the apex of the Roman hierarchy.  How did he do it?And does he deserve the blame for starting the Roman Civil War? Nobody becomes the greatest Roman alive in times of peace. Marius was a young man of incredible ambition and razor sharp perception. He not only noticed the rare opportunities, but he seized them with dogged determination. Even more remarkably, Marius’ achievements didn’t happen until he was an older man. In fact, Marius’ story was practically just beginning when he was age 50. Perhaps yours will too. In this first installment of The Life of Gaius Marius, we learn about the foundations Marius laid in his early life as he positioned himself for greatness. Thanks to sponsor ideamarket.io! (@ideamarket_io)On today’s podcast:Learning the populist game from Scipio Africanus and the GracchiFitting in but staying differentAcquiring a fortune and a reputationEntering Roman politics as an outsiderConciliating RivalsFrom Tribune, to Praetor, to Consul War with Jugurtha

The podcast discusses why Plutarch wrote biographies and the value of listening to morally edifying lectures. Plutarch emphasizes active listening and explores why he chose to write biographies instead of moral essays. The hosts also announce upcoming episodes on Gaius Marius and seek feedback from listeners.

CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.Plutarch reads the Odyssey

Explore the concept of wealth and power, and how inner disposition plays a role in happiness. Delve into the connection between virtue and happiness, and reflect on the value of inner strength in challenging circumstances.

CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.Plutarch on what the octopus, and the mythic figure Proteus (who King Menelaus met on his way back from Troy) can tell us about friendship.

CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.Coming back to Plutarch's essay on having many friends, with remarks from Zeuxis, Chilon, and Thucydides

CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.A quote and meditation from Plutarch's On Having Many Friends. Sign up for our email list at ancientlifecoach.com! 

The podcast discusses the aftermath of Pyrrhus' death and the fate of his kingdom. It explores the role of Pyrrhus in the outbreak of the great Punic Wars, and reflects on gift-giving and its influence on the Roman festival Saturnalia. Merry Christmas (or Saturnalia) to all!