On the Nature of Things by Lucretius

Lucretius, it seems, in On the Nature of Things conducts an elaborate satire regarding his Epicurean beliefs. In his elongated ode to the goddess Venus, he champions her sovereignty and involvement in human affairs. Ironically though, Epicureans believe the gods have no involvement whatsoever in the day-to-day life of men. Perhaps Lucretius is sending somewhat of a sarcastic slap in the face to his theologic counterparts. Epicureans, however, do believe in the existence and deity of the gods, which brings up a new questions in his piece. Is Lucretius, by Epicurean standards, being disrespectful to Venus? or, since Epicureans feel a great distance between themselves and the gods, is Lucretius under the impression that the goddess cares not for what he writes? After all, if the author truly believes that the gods are uninvolved, is the power of Venus even something to be feared if there is no chance of intervened punishment?

Regardless, Epicureans do not adhere to this first part of Lucretius’ writing. They much more adhere to what he explains later in the piece: that all things can be explained down to the atoms. That matter (excuse the pun) is the only thing that matters. Science is all we can hold to, because everything metaphysical wants nothing to do with us. Perhaps Lucretius’ view is a tad narrow-minded. To deny everything outside of tangible reality is to lose so much beauty and mystery of the human form. For how can science, that attempts to reduce love down to hormones and survival instincts, explain a friend giving his life for another? or charitable giving? Is that all cold hard science? I think Lucretius has put himself under an unenjoyable restriction. He is restricted from having the freedom that comes with saying “I don’t know.”