Lucretius' only extant work, written in dactylic hexameter, addressed to Gaius Memmius (who became praetor in 58 BC and failed to be converted) , written c. 59 BC, possibly incomplete and lacking final revision. He faithfully reproduces the doctrines or Epicurus. Epicurus was born in Samos 341 BC, after Athens had been defeated by Philip II of Macedon. Most of his writings have perished, particularly On Nature.
Lucretius regarded him as the spiritual saviour of mankind.
Epicureanism was a missionary philospohy, aiming to give man happiness by making him self-sufficient.
Its key teachings included:
Study science in order to rid yourself of uneccesary fears, especially of the gods and death.
Sensation is the basis of all knowledge.
Pleasure that leads to pain should be avoided and pain that leads to pleasure should not be avoided.
Pleasure means freedom from pain in the body and trouble in the mind.
Not all desires are to be satisfied.
Most pleasure is to be obtained by living a simple life.
Its key teachings included:
Study science in order to rid yourself of uneccesary fears, especially of the gods and death.
Sensation is the basis of all knowledge.
Pleasure that leads to pain should be avoided and pain that leads to pleasure should not be avoided.
Pleasure means freedom from pain in the body and trouble in the mind.
Not all desires are to be satisfied.
Most pleasure is to be obtained by living a simple life.
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