Lucretius' Criticism of Traditional Religion and Superstition

ΣΧΟΛΙΑ Σ' ΕΝΑ ΑΠΟΣΠΑΣΜΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΟ DE RERUM NATURA

Abstract

Modern Greek translation and extensive commentary of the De rerum natura Ι, 62- 111, where Lucretius, praising Epicurus' philosophical acumen and boldness, criticizes the traditional state religion and popular superstition. The introductory note gives a brief sketch of the times of Lucretius, stresses the difficulty of his attempt to make poetry out of the terse Epicurean Physics, and underlines the brilliant poetic feeling that permeates the whσle De rerum natura. Ιn the commentary the main asp ects of the Epicurean doctrine are discussed, Lucretius' genuine admiration for and fanatical devotion to Epicurus are indicated and his poetic genius and sensitiveness are emphasized. The commentary also includes several remarks of interpretative nature and pertinent references to other authors, ancient and modern, aiming at a fuller understanding of Lucretius and his poem.