Why I Write: In Defense of Virtue and Liberalism

Writing has always been more than a simple pastime for me; it's been a channel for my deepest passions and convictions. When I sat down to pen "In the Shadow of the Furies," my motivations were twofold.

Firstly, I wanted to rise to the defense of liberalism—a philosophy that, in my view, faces increasing threats both internationally and within our own borders. It felt crucial to contribute something, however small, to the preservation of values like democracy, free speech, and equal opportunity.

But my aspirations didn't stop at ideology. At a time when society is wrestling with what it means to be 'masculine,' I felt compelled to create a hero that embodied the positive aspects of masculinity. I wanted to challenge the dichotomy between the "man on a horse" populist figures who threaten democratic ideals and those who engage in toxic behavior towards women.

This is where Scipio Africanus comes into the picture. A figure both historical and larger-than-life, Scipio offers a compelling model of virtue and leadership. History that far back is always hazy, but as I write him, he's neither a tyrant nor a misogynist. He's far from perfect, and he'd be a pretty boring character if he was. But, I understand him as a man of principle and couragen. Through him, I explore what it means to be a truly great man in a world that desperately needs them.