Cost of Glory

An interview with Johnny Burtka, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. He is a graduate of Hillsdale College, and his most recent book is titled “Gateway to Statesmanship—Selections from Xenophon to Churchill”.

In this episode:
  • The Mirrors for Princes tradition
  • Obstacles as a Ladder to Greatness
  • The Potency of Xenophon’s ‘Education of Cyrus’
  • The Leadership Qualities of Cyrus
  • The Complex Enduring Power of Cicero’s ‘On Duties’
  • Cultivating Greatness of Soul and the Magnitudo Animi of Churchill
  • Machiavelli as Practitioner, not Political Philosopher
  • Where should an 18-year old dedicate himself to?
  • Washington’s Farewell Address as a Beautiful Political Text
Books Mentioned:
For the episode transcript, be sure to subscribe to my Substack!

Thanks to our sponsor Intercollegiate Studies Institute! Check out their programs on supporting quality thought and intellectual life in and after your college years.

What is 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.