Of the Nature of Things

De Rerum Natura (On the Nature of Things) is a didactic epic poem written by the Roman poet and philosopher Lucretius in the 1st century BC. The poem is written in hexameter verse and explores the philosophy of Epicureanism which emphasizes the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain as the ultimate goals of life. The poem is divided into six books and covers a wide range of topics including the nature of the universe the principles of physics the nature of the mind and soul and the ethics of Epicurean philosophy. Lucretius argues that everything in the universe is made up of atoms and void and that all phenomena can be explained in terms of the movements and combinations of atoms. He also rejects the idea of an afterlife and argues that the soul is mortal dissipating into atoms after death. The poem is also notable for its critique of religion particularly the belief in gods who intervene in human affairs. Lucretius argues that these beliefs are based on fear and superstition and that they are a source of suffering and strife in human society.