On The Nature of Things by Lucretius
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This famous work by Lucretius is a masterpiece
of didactic poetry, and it still stands today as the finest exposition
of Epicurean philosophy ever written. The poem was produced in the
middle of first century B.C., a period that was to witness a flowering
of Latin literature unequaled for beauty and intellectual power in
subsequent ages. The Latin title, "De Rerum Natura", translates
literally to "On the Nature of Things" and is meant to impress the
reader with the breadth and depth of Epicurean philosophy.
The poem's scope, even by modern standards, is staggering. Lucretius
peers into the secrets of nature with a kind of innocent curiosity and
offers a "scientific" explanation for all sorts of phenomena: stars and
planets, oceans and rivers, plant life, reproductive activities, the
soul and immortality, and the nature of the gods, among others.
According to Lucretius, mankind can be freed from the stifling
structures of religion and superstition by studying the works of the
Greek philosopher Epicurus. All it takes is the strength of character to
look at the natural world in an uncompromisingly level and unemotional
way, to observe and live in the world according to precepts laid down by
the great Epicurus in the fourth century B.C. That being so, according
to Lucretius, it will be possible for man to lay aside superstition and
fear and to become as godlike as he can.
Even though humanity was driven by hungers and passions it little
understood at the time, Lucretius' bold poem sought to embolden men with
the self confidence to get along in the world without recourse to myths
and gods. In order to free themselves, men would have to adopt a
personal code of self-responsibility that consisted of living and
speaking personal truths founded on the work of Epicurus. "On the Nature
of Things" is about the universe and how men should live in it.
- Lucretius - A Brief Biography by William Young Sellar (14.6Mb)
- Epicurus and Epicurianism by William Wallace (14.1Mb)
- Book I (34.1Mb)
- Book II (36.5Mb)
- Book III (33.2Mb)
- Book IV (41.3Mb)
- Book V (45.4Mb)
- Book VI (35.9Mb)
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