1. A Remarkable poem written by Lucretius in about 100 BC
On the Nature of Things

2. Atomism
All reality consists of minimal sized bits of matter– “atoms”—separated by empty space— “void”.
All things are made of various combinations of atoms.
Greek “a-tom” = not cut.

3. Democritus ( )
Greek philosopher

4. Epicurus (342-270 BC) Greek Philosopher Modifies ideas
Extends application

5. Lucretius (99-55 BC) Roman Poet
Records ideas of Epicurus in poetic form
“On the Nature of Things”
Counteract influence of religion.

6. Lucretius Bad things in life mainly due to ignorance.
Counter ignorance & irrationality with knowledge.
Teach people truth about the nature of things.

7. “The Nature of Things” Six books (chapters):
Books 1 & 2: Basic principles of atomistic physics
Books 3 & 4: The nature of the soul.
Books 5 & 6: Explain the rest of the world—astronomy, meteorology, biology, geology, etc.
No need to bring in god to explain.

8. “Atomism is the most
important and far-
reaching hypothesis
ever formulated
about nature.”
Lecture at Cal Tech
Feynmann