num_pages: 302
description: With the passion of a true poet, Titus Lucretius Carus (ca. 99-55 BCE) 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.
language: English
title: On the Nature of Things
titlecomplete: On the Nature of Things (Great Books in Philosophy)
genres: Literature, History, Classics, Science, Ancient, Philosophy, Roman, Ancient History, Poetry, Nonfiction
ratings_count: 13177
awards: awardedAt: -31507200000
name: National Book Award Finalist
category: Translation
publisher: Prometheus