Items related to On the Nature of Things
Synopsis
Titus Lucretius Carus (99 BC-55 BC) was a Roman poet and philosopher. His only known work is the epic philosophical poem De Rerum Natura, On the Nature of Things. Very little is known about Lucretius' life. One source of information is found in a letter Cicero wrote to his brother Quintus in February 54 BC. He wrote: "The poems of Lucretius exhibit many flashes of genius, and yet show great mastership. His poem De Rerum Natura transmits the ideas of Epicurean physics, which includes Atomism, and psychology. " The main purpose of the work was to free men's minds of superstition and the fear of death. The fear of death is banished by showing that death is the dissipation of a being's material mind, and so, death can be neither good nor bad for this being. Stylistically, most scholars attribute the full blossoming of Latin hexameter to Virgil. De Rerum Natura however, is of indisputable importance for the part it played in naturalizing Greek philosophical ideas and discourse in the Latin language and its influence on Virgil and other later poets.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
From the Back Cover
With the passion of a true poet, Titus Lucretius Carus (ca. 99-55 B.C.E.) expounds the most coherent and eloquent system of materialism surviving from the ancient world. Developing the atomic theory of his master, Epicurus, Lucretius discusses the motion of atoms, natural phenomena, sensation, free will, and the soul's relation to the body. Most importantly, Lucretius sees his teaching as a bulwark against religious fears and prejudices. Since death is final, humankind need not fear everlasting torture and punishment.
About the Author
Titus Lucretius Carus (c. 99 BC – c. 55 BC) was a Roman poet and philosopher. His only known work is the epic philosophical poem De Rerum Natura about the tenets and philosophy of Epicureanism, and which is usually translated into English as On the Nature of Things.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
(No Available Copies)
Search Books: Create a WantCan't find the book you're looking for? We'll keep searching for you. If one of our booksellers adds it to AbeBooks, we'll let you know!
Create a Want
