Lucretius On the Nature of the Universe

Lucretius' goal in writing On the Nature of the Universe was to help human beings free their minds of superstition and fears, primarily the fear of death. Lucretius believed that religion, the gods, and superstitions prevented individuals from being able to see the true nature of being and the universe. This is because, these superstitions engender fear in humans that prevents them from focusing on the reality of nature beneath these manmade constructs. As he writes in On the Nature of the Universe, we are at the right starting point for serious inquiry if we can reject such fears and superstitions, because they lead us astray, "More often it is this very superstition that is the mother of sinful and impious deeds" (Lucretius, Book I). This analysis will discuss the philosophy espoused by Lucretius in his only extant written work.

To Lucretius, the root of all superstition and fear is religion. Religion in his view is often utilized as a way to control human beings and their minds. Despite having no knowledge of the nature of the creator or creation, individuals are often fearful of religious prophets who terrorize individuals with the threat of eternal punishment upon death. As Lucretius writes:

Only think what phantoms they can conjure up to overturn the tenor of your life and wreck your happiness with fear. And not without cause. For, if men saw that a term was set to their troubles, they would find strength in some way to withstand t

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Category: Philosophy - L