The Basement: Alex Petkas | Before America Had a Constitution, It Had Plutarch

Julius Caesar wept upon seeing a statue of Alexander the Great in Spain because he realized that at the same age Alexander had conquered vast peoples while he had accomplished little. Alex Petkas argues this reaction stems from emulation rather than megalomania, reflecting a profound realization of his calling. Aristotle categorizes this specific aspiration as zeal, which is distinct from destructive envy.

In his Rhetoric, Aristotle defines zeal as the painful emotion experienced when observing a similar peer achieve honorable things one is capable of attaining, thereby driving aspiration. Conversely, envy is a malicious pain felt upon seeing others succeed that motivates a desire for their failure. Petkas notes that constructive emulation characterizes virtuous individuals, whereas envy operates as unproductive malice.

Alex Petkas reflects on his personal struggles with intellectual curiosity, noting that having multiple fascinating ideas simultaneously prevents actual execution. Drawing parallels to Odysseus letting go of rafts and resisting sirens, he emphasizes that pursuing too many distinct projects guarantees failure. True progress requires focusing intensely on a single worthwhile objective rather than scattering effort across numerous distractions.

Plato traveled to Syracuse hoping to guide the young tyrant Dionysius II toward wisdom and philosophy, fulfilling his vision of political reform. However, court flatterers and political rivals framed Plato and his associate Dion as threats working for Athenian interests, ultimately destroying the relationship. This historical episode demonstrates the severe political perils and vulnerabilities philosophers face when attempting to directly influence authoritarian power.

After being repeatedly ousted from power in Syracuse due to political intrigue and his conflict with Plato's associate Dion, the tyrant Dionysius II ended his days living in Corinth. According to historical tradition, the former ruler survived by working as a mid-tier rhetoric teacher and substitute instructor. This dramatic reversal highlights the unpredictable and transient nature of absolute political power.

Guided by Pythagorean principles, Pelopidas and exiled Theban patriots executed a daring counter-coup against the Spartan-backed oligarchy during a winter festival. Disguised in women's dresses and veils to mimic banquet entertainers, the conspirators slipped past guards and assassinated the corrupt rulers. This clever tactical surprise enabled the Thebans to reclaim their city and shatter Spartan dominance in Greece.

Following the liberation of Thebes, the principled Pythagorean general Epaminondas orchestrated a stunning military defeat of Sparta at the Battle of Leuctra. He subsequently marched into the Peloponnese, liberated the Helot slave class, and founded the fortified city of Messene. By establishing fortifications and uniting regional rivals, Epaminondas permanently dismantled Spartan hegemony.

On the night before his assassination, Julius Caesar attended a dinner party where he posed the question of what constitutes the best death, answering that a swift and unexpected exit is ideal. Unbeknownst to most, one of his primary assassins, Decimus Brutus, was sitting directly across from him at the table. This chilling historical anecdote illustrates the profound tension and hidden betrayal preceding the Ides of March.

Eumenes began his career as a minor Greek secretary and note-taker for Philip of Macedon and Alexander the Great, operating as a foreigner among Macedonian military brass. Following Alexander's death, Eumenes skillfully leveraged his trustworthiness and claimed he was merely protecting the royal family rather than seeking personal kingship. Through exceptional capability and diplomacy, he rose to command armies and defend the empire's continuity against rival strongmen.

The Herculaneum scrolls, buried and carbonized by Mount Vesuvius's volcanic mud flow, were previously unreadable because physical unrolling destroyed the fragile papyrus. Computer scientist Brent Seals utilized high-resolution CT scans from particle accelerators like the Diamond Light Source in Oxford to build 3D digital models of the scrolls. Collaborating through open contests, machine learning algorithms successfully differentiated pure carbon ink from the papyrus, finally reading complete ancient texts.

Although Epicureanism taught that gods do not interfere in human affairs and advised against entering politics due to its turbulence, it became remarkably popular among Rome's leadership class during the late Republic and early Empire. Prominent figures like Julius Caesar, Cassius, and various generals maintained Epicurean sympathies or friendships with scholars like Philodemus. This philosophical leaning supported the cultural transition toward peace and stability championed by Augustus.

Petkas argues that modern culture frequently harbors an unconstructive hostility toward greatness, competence, and ambition, often viewing successful leaders through a cynical lens. By automatically assuming success implies corruption or immorality, people rob themselves of valuable lessons from history's most capable figures. Embracing the study of excellence and noble ambition is essential for personal growth and societal vitality.