Episode 45: The Uncuttables (Lucretius' On the Nature of Things and Epicureanism)

Explore the profound thoughts of Lucretius and his impactful work 'On the Nature of Things.' Discover how Epicurean philosophy challenges ancient religious norms, advocating for tranquility and deeper joys. Delve into the origins of atomic theory and its cultural implications, as well as the luxurious Villa of the Papyri, a center for leisure and intellectual discourse. Additionally, uncover the tensions between Epicureanism and early Christianity, alongside Lucretius's views on death and the transition from polytheism to materialism.