"So thoroughly had the present prosperity persuaded the Athenians that nothing could withstand them, and that they could achieve what was possible and what was impracticable alike, with means ample or inadequate it mattered not. The reason for this was their [prior] extraordinary success, which made them confuse their strengths with their hopes."

-Thucydides, The Peloponnesian War, Book IV

Whether in Sicily in 415-13 BC or the Persian Gulf today, these 5 factors are still the top determinants of success or failure in war:

1. Understanding geography
2. Understanding logistics
3. Having a clearly defined & realistically achievable goal
4. Having a well-thought-out strategy to attain that goal with the resources available
5. Prudently adapting that strategy as necessary due to changing circumstances

I’m currently hard at work on Pt 3 of “The Mad Dream of Conquest,” my Dangerous History series on the Athenian expedition to Sicily during the Peloponnesian War - stay tuned!

In honor of the 12th anniversary of the Dangerous History Podcast, I published an episode in which I reminisce a little about the journey, and share & analyze 12 of my favorite quotes from HL Mencken, including the quote that inspired the name of the DHP. Check it out!

https://fountain.fm/episode/WPj45Z7dqaSsjZfAILsj

It's here - the 2nd part of my epic Dangerous History mini-series, 'The Mad Dream of Conquest,' set during the Peloponnesian War in 5th century BC Greece!

Check it out!

https://fountain.fm/episode/G1sKwrafOYkNB6QlG9FL

I fought & won The War of Art yet again today.

After putting in another LONG day working on part II of ‘The Mad Dream of Conquest,’ I managed to record all remaining segments & edit half of them. I’m throwing in the towel for the day & will definitely finish & publish tomorrow.

I’m continuing to put a ton of time & effort into Pt II of ‘The Mad Dream of Conquest.’ I’ve had some slowdowns for family reasons, & (as often happens) the episode has continued to grow in prospective length as I’ve worked on it, but I’m making progress & nearing completion!

3 years & a few months since I adopted him, & I’m happy to report that Errol is still excellent & still my best pal.

Today is the 59th anniversary of the deliberate & unprovoked Israeli attack on the USS Liberty, an electronic surveillance ship that was in international waters at the time. 34 Americans were killed, 171 wounded, & the ship nearly sunk.

For a detailed explanation of the event & its context, check out my 4 hr+ Dangerous History Podcast episode on it:

https://fountain.fm/episode/hMuZZSj2tslFFLswUqYI

Coming soon: The 2nd installment of my DHP series “The Mad Dream of Conquest,” which will cover the disastrous & inconclusive 1st half of the Peloponnesian War (including the Athenian plague) up to the invitation to Athens by some Sicilian poleis to invade the island to fight their enemy, Syracuse, the Athenian debates over the proposed expedition, the majority’s decision to greenlight it, Athenian preparations & the grand expedition’s seemingly awe-inspiring departure.

It’s already half-completed & should be all done & published in the next few days.

ICYMI, yesterday I dropped the opening salvo of a DHP mini-series dealing with the Peloponnesian War between Athens & Sparta & their respective allies.

Check it out on @Fountain here⬇️, or look up the Dangerous History Podcast on your favorite podcatcher platform!

https://fountain.fm/episode/xyRAKSTbQwUCKulU5Yeq

I was away from home for <24 hours, but sure enough, as soon as I got back, my puppybunny Errol was ecstatic to see me.