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Chris's Reviews > On the Nature of Things
On the Nature of Things
by
by
Perhaps I should say 3.5 stars. 3 because it could be difficult to read at times, taking away from the enjoyment; and it could be rather repetitive and contradictory at times. 4 stars for the amazing content of Lucretius' arguments about the phenomena of the natural world written in 50BCE!!!! Quite an eye-opener. Had no idea that the notion of nature being made up of particles or atoms was even a thought in ancient times. This work is where the famous "swerve theory" is derived.
Lucretius was a disciple of Epicurus, and was offering arguments against the interference of the Gods in human lives and natural phenomena, instead positing "scientific" explanations based on observations and extrapolation. Some of it quite modern in conclusion, even if how he got there wasn't right. And all in the form of a very long poem! Quite a feat.
Lucretius was a disciple of Epicurus, and was offering arguments against the interference of the Gods in human lives and natural phenomena, instead positing "scientific" explanations based on observations and extrapolation. Some of it quite modern in conclusion, even if how he got there wasn't right. And all in the form of a very long poem! Quite a feat.
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Reading Progress
January 9, 2016
–
Started Reading
January 9, 2016
– Shelved
January 13, 2016
–
30.0%
January 15, 2016
–
48.0%
January 18, 2016
–
48.0%
""For dolts admire & love everything more which they hidden amid distorted words, and set down as true whatever can prettily tickle the ears & all that is varnished over with fine-sounding phrases." Still true today I'd say!"
February 14, 2016
–
70.0%
February 25, 2016
– Shelved as:
classics
February 25, 2016
–
Finished Reading
May 30, 2016
– Shelved as:
nonfiction
