Resumo de On The Nature Of The Universe

One of the first individuals to believe that all matter is formed from atoms was Lucretius, also an intellectual philosopher with an understanding of the world around him. His thoughts reflect a perspective that seeks to address concerns basic to all individuals. Believed to have been educated in both Greek and Latin, little is actually known about Lucretius himself, other than this work. The time period, during which he lived, since the dates of his birth and death are also not definitely known, has been determined by two references, which both can be dated as having occurred between 60 B.C. and 50 B.C. Within the text, Lucretius refers directly to an individual named Memmius, who was most likely a well-known politician of that name, who was a praetor in 58 B.C. and briefly a consul in 53 B.C. Since On the Nature of the Universe (or, in Latin, On the Nature of Things) was originally written as a poem, rather than prose, the other reference to Lucretius comes from a letter written by Cicero in February 54 B.C., in which Cicero praises the poem of Lucretius, crediting it (and its author) as being very artistic and that the work contained flashes of genius. The fact that Cicero makes no further reference to Lucretius may indicate that Lucretius was not a noble, but perhaps, instead, a freed former slave who was educated, which may explain why so little is known about Lucretius. Since the average person, during this time period, believed that all life had been created from earth, air, fire and water, the suggestion that atoms created matter was both radical and new. Although some of the logic is flawed pertaining to atoms, the arguments in favor of his atomic theory were meant to refute the prevalent philosophy of his time. As both a humanist and philosopher, Lucretius demonstrates the timelessness of his observations. Whether discussing honest reactions of the young to the opposite sex or exploring the mortality of human life, the philosophical observations of Lucretius are refreshing. It is a positive philosophy, the product of an intelligent and enquiring mind. Statements by Lucretius, such as ?since the variety of shapes is finite, then of necessity the number of similar shapes must be infinite, or else the sum of matter would be finite?, reflect his intellect. In lines such as ?and fevers leave the body no more swiftly, if figured tapestries and purple sheets are what you toss on, than if you have to lie with plain plebian blanket on your bed?, illustrate both his common touch and objectivity. Even though On the Nature of the Universe was written over 2,000 years ago, some of the philosophy appears to be contemporary. This work of Lucretius is worthy of discovery or rediscovery.

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