

#4974
Mentioned in 6 episodes
On the Nature of Things
Book • 1910
Written in the early 50s BC, *On the Nature of Things* is a six-book poem that delves into the principles of Epicurean philosophy.
It explores the atomic system, the nature of the mind and spirit, sensation and thought, and various celestial and terrestrial phenomena.
The poem aims to show that everything in nature can be explained by natural laws without divine intervention, thereby promoting a life of tranquility and happiness.
Lucretius argues against the fear of death and the gods, emphasizing that the universe operates according to physical principles guided by chance rather than divine will.
It explores the atomic system, the nature of the mind and spirit, sensation and thought, and various celestial and terrestrial phenomena.
The poem aims to show that everything in nature can be explained by natural laws without divine intervention, thereby promoting a life of tranquility and happiness.
Lucretius argues against the fear of death and the gods, emphasizing that the universe operates according to physical principles guided by chance rather than divine will.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 6 episodes
Mentioned by 

as describing an undirected process of adaptation.


Adam Rutherford

75 snips
The History of Revolutionary Ideas: Darwin w/Adam Rutherford
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while discussing atomistic theories and the explanation of shapes in the universe.

Julian Barbour

43 snips
Julian Barbour: The Physicist Who Says Time Doesn't Exist
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as a book that saved us from the dark ages.

Jim Rutt

39 snips
EP 293 Brendan Graham Dempsey on Cosmic Teleology and Emergence Vectors
Mentioned as dedicating 'On the Nature of Things' to relay Epicurean philosophy into a more palatable format.

044: Hellenistic Philosophy - Epicurus & Epicureanism
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when discussing the rediscovery of ancient manuscripts and the renewal of interest in the classical world during the Renaissance.

Noah Charney

Vasari: Inventor of Artistic Genius
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as rediscovered by Poggio Bracciolini.

Peter Adamson

HoP 334 - Chance Encounters - Reviving Hellenistic philosophy
Mentioned in the context of its manuscript being found by Poggio Bracciolini in 1417.

HoP 328 - Old News - Introduction to the Italian Renaissance