Lucretius (Titus Lucretius Carus) lived ca. 99-ca. 55 BCE, but the
details of his career are unknown. He is the author of the great
didactic poem in hexameters, "De Rerum Natura" ("On the Nature of
Things"). In six books compounded of solid reasoning, brilliant
imagination, and noble poetry, he expounds the scientific theories
of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, with the aim of dispelling fear
of the gods and fear of death and so enabling man to attain peace
of mind and happiness.
In Book 1 he establishes the general principles of the atomic
system, refutes the views of rival physicists, and proves the
infinity of the universe and of its two ultimate constituents,
matter and void. In Book 2 he explains atomic movement, the variety
of atomic shapes, and argues that the atoms lack colour, sensation,
and other secondary qualities. In Book 3 he expounds the nature and
composition of mind and spirit, proves their mortality, and argues
that there is nothing to fear in death. Book 4 explains the nature
of sensation and thought, and ends with an impressive account of
sexual love. Book 5 describes the nature and formation of our
world, astronomical phenomena, the beginnings of life on earth, and
the development of civilization. In Book 6 the poet explains
various atmospheric and terrestrial phenomena, including thunder,
lightning, earthquakes, volcanoes, the magnet, and plagues.
The work is distinguished by the fervour and poetry of the
author.
General
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