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Thirty Seven: Essays On Life, Wisdom, And Masculinity Paperback – September 6, 2014

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 114 ratings

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Quintus Curtius is an attorney, writer, translator, and former Marine officer. Expertly blending history, biography, philosophy, and the author's personal experience, this penetrating collection of essays achieves what one reviewer called “a perfect fluency in [a] dialogue with truth.”

The unifying theme of the book is the nature of masculine identity, and how that identity has been manifested.

The range of topics explored is diverse: the nature of human wisdom, courage in adversity, redemption through suffering, the endurance of hardships, educational development, character in history, the mystical experience, the fickleness of Fate, and the necessity of myths.

Drawing on examples from history and using sources in their original languages, Quintus Curtius's soaring vision combines lucid explanation with a passionate intensity like few other writers. Erudite, thoughtful, and frequently moving, this unique book has been described as "inexplicably inspiring."

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A fascinating collection of short philosophical essays on Masculinity. The main thrust of the work uses a historical framework of examining the lives of great men whilst considering what universal, time-transcendent truths can be gained from their experiences - both successes and failures - that can then be applied to the mental framework of the modern man. Whilst the men discussed are chosen from diverse backgrounds and historical periods, masculinity unites all. The philosophical themes arise so naturally and seamlessly from the discussion of great lives lived, that you could convincingly-argue two viewpoints: that the man suggested the theme, or that the man was chosen to illustrate the theme. This unification of purpose means the collection rock solid in its intention.

Interspersed throughout these are essays with a more direct thrust - considerations of philosophy, art, language, and self-improvement. These reveal Curtius' character as a Renaissance Man, driven by a relentless curiousity about the world, with a desire to challenged by life, and thus experience it through both glory and disgrace. With his passion of aiming to be a Great Man, a Mythic Framework for the book arises: a common thread throughout masculine societies that inspires men to live sincere, adventurous lives of genuine experience by stepping beyond their comfort zone, thus gaining mental resilience and wisdom.

As such, these essays fill a much-needed void in masculine self-improvement beyond simple concerns of wealth, popularity, power or sexual success that highlight Curtius' interest in Stoicism: how does a man become a deeper, wiser man?

An excellent work. My personal favourite: 'The March Of Worldly Wisdom'."--T. Magritte

About the Author

Quintus Curtius is the pen name of writer and translator George Thomas. After graduating from MIT in 1990, he served as an active duty officer in the US Marine Corps for a number of years. After leaving active service, he enrolled in law school and began practicing law in 1998. He lives in Kansas City and travels frequently. 

His innovative and groundbreaking translations include Cicero's "On Duties" and "Stoic Paradoxes," and most recently Sallust's "The Conspiracy of Catiline and War of Jugurtha." 

Curtius has also written extensively on moral philosophy, ethics, and historical subjects. His penetrating essay collections explore questions of character, leadership, and adversity that have never been more relevant to the modern era. These books include "Thirty-Seven," "Pantheon," and "Pathways." Using examples from history, personal experience, literature, and philosophy, these unique books have been described as "inexplicably inspiring." 

He can be found at qcurtius.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (September 6, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 202 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1502848279
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1502848277
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.46 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 114 ratings

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Quintus Curtius
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Quintus Curtius is the pen name of writer and translator George J. Thomas. After graduating from MIT in 1990, he served as an active duty officer in the US Marine Corps for a number of years. After leaving active service, he enrolled in law school and began practicing law in 1998. He lives in Overland Park, Kansas.

His innovative and groundbreaking translations include Cicero's "On the Nature of the Gods," "Tusculan Disputations," "On Moral Ends," "On Duties," "Stoic Paradoxes," Sallust's "The Conspiracy of Catiline and War of Jugurtha," and Cornelius Nepos's "Lives of the Great Commanders."

Curtius has also written extensively on moral philosophy, ethics, and historical subjects. His essay collections explore questions of character, leadership, and adversity. These books include "Thirty-Seven," "Digest," "Pantheon," and "Pathways." Using examples from history, personal experience, literature, and philosophy, these unique books have been described as "inexplicably inspiring."

He can be found at www.qcurtius.com.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
114 global ratings
Great addition to my library.
5 Stars
Great addition to my library.
I read this in two days. The essays are in depth philosophical discussions on a wide variety of topics.I will visit this book again and give it to my sons to read.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2015
I leafed throught this book before writing this review, and I found it so engrossing that I actually started reading it again! 37 is a collection of essays loosely aligned by the theme of "masculinity", apparently modeled after the style of classical philosophers, such as Plutarch's Moralia. I have often thought that it was high time to dust off these ancients and update them for modern society. Certain dimensions of human nature are no doubt timeless, but civilization has shifted so much since the time of the ancients that our own perspective may be somewhat refracted from theirs. What would Plutarch or Seneca change in the light of 1000 years of progress? Quintus Curtius gives us some idea, for he is at least the equal of these classical philosophers.

Each of the essays is short, 1-3 pages, and ideally suited to reading at short intervals, such as on a subway.
Some essays are revamping of classical themes, such how to tell a true friend from a flatterer, while others deal more directly with modern historical questions such as MacArthur during the Korrean war. Curitius tends to take specific instance topics, such as the loss of the soccer world cup by Brazil, and elevate them into high historical themes or moral lessons. There are many fascinating asides and invitations to further reading, or useful pedagogical topics like learning foreign languages. There is an excellent article reviewing a group of movies dating back to the 70s, which has expanded my Netflix queue. Two of the movies, Sorcerer and Lives of Others, I have already seen and can confirm are every bit as good as Curtius says. Strangely, critical discrimination of film is one of the best casual IQ tests that I have found. Curtius's writing style is fluid and engaging, worthy of emulation. The curious prologue perhaps warrants more explanation, as it left me hanging somewhat. This recounts a boy falling through the ice in harrowing detail. I kept expecting this story to be tied in to the remainder of the book, but was left hanging. Maybe tbis episode is simply a reminder of the masculine spirit unchecksd--boys will be boys.

These essays were originally written for the "masculinity" website ReturnofKings, but I see no reason why the female species should not equally benefit from their wisdom! There are also some unwelcome veiled jabs at homosexuals which serve no purpose, but for all that, these essays have converted me into an avid fan of Quintus Curtius and ReturnofKings more generally.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2016
The first thing I did after I've finished reading the book is to go on a long walk. During each step I've contemplated about what I've read: the essays, the characters within them and the message of the writing itself.

One recurring thought came back to me again, again and again: this is what I've always needed. This is what has always been missing in my life. Young men, like me, nowadays need wisdom off the old like no other generation. We have been essentially abandoned. Many by our parents and most if not all by the institutions who supposedly stand in order to impart knowledge upon impressionable young minds.

Before reading books such as these I was angry at my father and mother. Not anymore. They've given me everything they could with the wisdom and tools they've had at their disposal. Young men need to understand this. They need to be grateful for this. My scorn is focused on the buildings which pride themselves to educate.

They educate what? Technical knowledge which’s use is limited only to the mind? To the corporations they expect us to serve? They government’s policies they wish us to abide? What about the soul of men? The characters of men? The virtues of men? Forgotten. Accidentally or deliberately? I choose the latter. Thinking men, men with souls shining so bright they uncover the morass of today’s opulence are a threat to those who rule with the help of said opulence.

Deep in my bones I felt that, yet this feeling only made me anxious as I was not sure if this was only me. Was I going insane? After reading this book I feel calmer. Seeing that I was not the only man who was besieged with the God Pain resting his hands on my shoulders. All men experience that. All men must experience that! And with the help of this book you'll also understand WHY you must experience that.

For this I am grateful. Eternally grateful. Every man, young or old must read this book. Especially the young. Your soul may still be engulfed in chaos, yet you’ll experience serenity within a Fortress you’ve built inside your soul. You shall learn to live, embrace, battle the disorder and in the end… enjoy pandemonium itself.

Wholehearted recommendation.
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2018
The essays are chock-full of vivid descriptions of fascinating people and incidents from history. The interpretations of said characters and incidents aren’t always logical, and, at times preachy, the essays , more often than not, form an absorbing read.
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2016
This is one of the best books I have ever read. When you are on a quest for questions to answers that no one seems to have, a book like this is sent by the stars. There is so much to say, I find myself scrambling for a proper description for this review. Rarely has a book had so much of an impact. One of my favorite things about the book is that it is filled with philosophical insight, with different essays on thoughts and ideas that leave you inspired. As a man going my own way and discovering neo masculinity, this is one of the most definitive books to read period. I have been reading a lot of late, and have learned a hug amount of practical knowledge, yet there is still many voids. Something is missing and there are moments when one looks for some inspirational solace in the midst of all the knowledge gained. Not only will you walk way the wiser from reading this, but you will feel fortified, whole and compete. We face a lot of challenges as men in modern times, yet we should not fool ourselves into thinking that somehow being a man was something that was ever an easy thing.

Stand up, take your lumps, and remain standing, and never waiver. How can we continue to take lump after lump and somehow not waiver? We can look up at the stars, come up with some neo cosmic ideology to make us drift way in meaningless make believe, not much different than daydreaming except you managed to attach some faux mysticism to an empty void, all on a quest to remain standing and take your lumps. Or you can read Thirty Seven: Essays On Life, Wisdom, And Masculinity.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Paul
5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking and inspiring
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 28, 2021
A diverse collection of incredibly well written essays on a broad range of subjects yet somehow united around some common theme which I'm struggling to put into words, but which leaves one with a strong sense that there is something far beyond the day-to-day existence with we we are usually consumed. The author's passion for the subject matter is clear and he manages to covey a deep sense of meaning without ever leaving one feeling like the point is being hammered home or that one is being lectured to. The topics covered are filled with fascinating historical facts and stories of personal hardships and triumphs, all of which are skillfully woven together around the central theme of "greatness", for lack of a better word.

Thoroughly inspiring.
YT
5.0 out of 5 stars A breath of fresh air
Reviewed in Canada on June 13, 2020
Finally something that isn't pandering to the masses and trying to please everyone. This is something a hungry and ambitious young man can truly sink his teeth into and not just enjoy but really learn from. Couldn't recommend it more.
René
5.0 out of 5 stars Leitfaden für alle zwischen 16 und 88 um das maximale aus ihrem Leben herauszuholen
Reviewed in Germany on May 16, 2021
Der Autor versteht es wie kaum ein anderer, die Weisheiten unserer Vorfahren in gut verständlichem Englisch und ohne unnötiger Füllwörter, aber anhand leicht verständlichen Beispielen, zu präsentieren. Das Buch stellt eine Art Kompass für das Leben und seine vielfältigen Bereiche dar. Bücher wie dieses sind in der heutigen Zeit leider selten geworden. Ein gut geeichter Kompass ist nämlich wertvoller als alle noch so vielversprechenden "10 Schritte zum Reichtum" Bücher.

Der Mensch im 21. Jahrhundert neigt dazu, das Wissen unserer Vorfahren als überholt zu betrachten und lässt sich stattdessen von vermeintlich modernen oder neuen Konzepten verführen. Ich selbst bin diesem Irrglauben leider auch zu lange auf den Leim gegangen.

In unserer weichgespülten modernen Welt in der es keine Verlierer geben darf, sondern nur viele kleine Gewinner, stellen Bücher wie diese eine wertvolle Bereicherung dar.

Thirty Seven sollte in jedem Fall als analoge Version erworben werden, denn ihr werdet es häufiger zur Hand nehmen und aufschlagen wollen.
aerobat
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!
Reviewed in Canada on October 23, 2014
I have always enjoyed the authors individual articles. Thirty Seven is a superb read. A wonderful journey, interpretation and summary that ties together philosophy, wisdom and life by an exceptional writer.
Will
5.0 out of 5 stars his series is a great introduction to those like myself that previously disregarded reading ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 2, 2016
A diverse piece, well written and meticulously crafted, Quintus' piece is unique in both his writing and perspective. Quintus uniquely uses old texts and makes them relatable to modern times, his series is a great introduction to those like myself that previously disregarded reading old texts. The book itself contains good guidance on how to cultivate character and provides a template of how to live, this is especially useful for young men with some difficulty finding purpose in life.

Inspiring and insightful leaving you with much to reflect upon.
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