Cost of Glory

Lysander returns from his setbacks at Sparta with a revolutionary plan.  He consults the gods about the Spartan Kingship; and some of his own prophecies about Greek geopolitics come true.In this episode: How should protegés treat mentors?  How do you change a deeply conservative state?  And, as always, what is the cost, for an individual, for a state, of striving for supreme glory?Characters:Alexander Hamilton (cameo)LysanderTissaphernes, Satrap of LydiaThe PythiaAgesilausCyrus the YoungerKing PausaniasThrasyboulus of AthensPlaces:SpartaOracle of DelphiOracle of Dodona, in EpirusOracle of Zeus Ammon (Amun Ra), LibyaEphesusThebesHaliartus

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

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

A story about how Socrates reacted when he got publicly shamed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What did Pyrrhus and Marius had in common, what lessons can be drawn for leaders?

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.