Of the Nature of Things (eBook)

T. Lucretius Carus, a Roman poet and philosopher, is best remembered for his didactic work 'De rerum natura' (On the Nature of Things), which is a comprehensive exposition of the Epicurean worldview. Though the precise dates of his birth and death are not known, it is presumed he lived during the 1st century BCE. Lucretius's magnum opus, written in hexameter verse, combines a scientific and philosophical treatise with majestic poetry, seeking to explain the Epicurean philosophy to a Roman audience. In 'De rerum natura,' Lucretius covers a wide range of topics including the atomic theory of matter, cosmology, and the nature of the soul, all while advocating for a hedonistic ethics that equated the good life with the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. The prevailing aim of his poetic philosophy was to free humans from the fear of death and the supernatural deities that he saw as responsible for so much human unhappiness. 'De rerum natura' was nearly lost to history until rediscovered in the 15th century, influencing the course of the Renaissance and leaving a substantial mark on the scientific and literary landscape. Lucretius has been lauded for his materialist philosophy and for his deep appreciation of the sensuous beauty of the natural world. His work profoundly impacted poets, philosophers, and scientists alike, shaping the intellectual discourse of the Late Republic and beyond.