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On the Nature of the Universe
ISBN: 9780199555147
Author : Lucretius Carus, Titus
Published: 2008
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Number of pages: 320
Language: English
Format: Paperback
Author : Lucretius Carus, Titus
Published: 2008
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Number of pages: 320
Language: English
Format: Paperback
Description
`Therefore this terror and darkness of the mind
Not by the sun’s rays, nor the bright shafts of day,
Must be dispersed, as is most necessary,
But by the face of nature and her laws.’
Lucretius’ poem On the Nature of the Universe combines a scientific and philosophical treatise with some of the greatest poetry ever written. With intense moral fervour Lucretius demonstrates to humanity that in death there is nothing to fear since the soul is mortal, and the world and everything in it is governed not by the gods, but by the mechanical laws of nature. By believing this, men can live in peace of mind and happiness. Lucretius bases his argument on the atomic theory expounded by the Greek philosopher Epicurus. His poem explores sensation, sex, cosmology, meteorology, and geology through acute observation of the beauties of the natural world and with moving sympathy for man’s place in it.
Sir Ronald Melville’s accessible and accurate verse translation is complemented by an introduction and notes situating Lucretius’ scientific theories within the thought of 1st century BCE Rome and discussing the Epicurean philosophy that was his inspiration and why the issues Lucretius’ poem raisies about the scientific and poetical views of the world continue to be important.
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