Thirty Seven

Essays on Life, Wisdom, and Masculinity

By: Quintus Curtius

Narrated by: Saethon Williams

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 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' soaring vision combines lucid explanation with a passionate intensity like few other writers. Erudite, thoughtful, and frequently moving, this unique collection has been described as "inexplicably inspiring."

©2013 Quintus Curtius (P)2018 Quintus Curtius

Must read for every young man.

Must read for every man young and old. I wish I could have read this back when I was eighteen. Better late than never.

wonderful & super necessary essays on Masculinity

This the type of literature work that you keep at hand, and in good shape to past to your kids. A great collection of essays in different topics that are relatable in our everyday Life. Once again Mr. Quintus providing us with that wisdom of the ancient days that still hold true many years after. And even though the essays often enhance the masculine virtue our sons should learn. It's so well constructed and full of historical references that will help our Youth, young Men and women. I personally loved it from beginning to end. And had to get them both, the hardcover and the audiobook.

PS: This the type of gem that you wish you had back in your early years. The kind of book you will be glad to have for future references as well

Marvelous

Lives of the Great Commanders used to be my favorite book until I finished this. Listened twice already, and going for round 3.

Actionable collection of time tested ideas

Quintus Curtius' "Thirty Seven" is a great value. Not only is the content excellent, but the narrator and production value are top-notch as well. I started out as a listener to his podcast, but quickly began reading his website and articles as well; as a deeper introduction to the ideas he engages with, I purchased "Thirty Seven" and listened to it during my long drives on a business trip.
There is plenty of noise by folks today who make their beliefs known on what a man should be, and what masculinity is. Additionally, there are plenty of people who have their own ideas about education, philosophy and self-development. The major value in "Thirty Seven" is that Quintus Curtius does not re-package classical ideas with a modern twist, or market classical, traditional living as the solution to our modern ills; instead he engages with time tested ideals, principles and classic wisdom. The author shows why they are still relevant for modern living, and how we can benefit from them, but also through different vignettes, how they are useful in everyday life through the ages, to include modern time.
One particular passage that stands out is Chapter 11 "The Reality of Progress". Going through the ages, from Ancient Rome, the Enlightenment, and ending at our current time, the question of progress is posed to the reader and we are faced with some harsh realities of our current state as individuals and as a society. Showing contrasting examples of modern, mechanized, reasoned progress and the modern state of character and spiritual development, Quintus Curtius demonstrates a clear gap in the spiritual, ethical and character development of modern man. Never ending on a down note, this chapter also ends with a few key points to show how we can measure ourselves as developed, passionate men.
As a critique, a table of contents that breaks down the essays by broad, topical overview would help readers. A brief introduction dealing with the content and how it is useful for the readers may help those unfamiliar with Quintus Curtius' works.
In summary, there is something in this book for everyone. Quintus Curtius casts a wide net and engages with folks from the classical world, enlightenment era, renaissance world, Islamic school of thought and the eastern traditions. His essays are thought provoking and will help serve as a reference point for a deeper dive into any covered subject, but also have enough substance to stand alone