If you've ever wondered how to begin reading Latin literature, Lucretius is a surprisingly bold — and surprisingly readable — place to start. A Roman poet writing in the 1st century BCE, Titus Lucretius Carus gave Latin one of its most powerful philosophical works: De Rerum Natura ("On the Nature of Things").
But don't let the title fool you — this isn't just science in verse. It's a sweeping, poetic meditation on existence, love, death, the universe, and how to live without fear. And it’s all built on a surprisingly modern idea: that everything is made of atoms.
Lucretius followed the Greek philosopher Epicurus, who believed that the gods don’t meddle in human affairs and that the universe operates according to natural laws. In De Rerum Natura, Lucretius presents this worldview in vivid, passionate Latin — filled with imagery of atoms swirling in the void, human psychology, and the physical nature of the soul.
Here’s a taste, in Latin and English:
Suave, mari magno turbantibus aequora ventis,
e terra magnum alterius spectare laborem.
“It is sweet, when on the great sea the winds stir up the waters, to watch from land the struggles of another.”
This isn't cruelty; it's philosophy. Lucretius uses the image to remind us how calm reason — a grounded life of understanding — can protect us from fear and panic, even in a chaotic world.
Because the questions he raises are still with us: What are we made of? Why do we suffer? What brings peace of mind? His Latin is elevated but not impossible, especially with a guide (like the one we offer in Latin: A Joyously Brief Introduction). You don’t need to master Cicero or conquer Caesar to dive into this poetic universe.
If you’re teaching Latin — or just learning on your own — Lucretius offers some beautiful examples of poetic structure, vocabulary, and grammar in action. And because his content is philosophical, you’re never just decoding words: you’re entering a worldview.
We include selections from Lucretius in our little book, along with guided vocabulary and grammar notes. It’s one of ten original authors we highlight to help new readers feel at home in real Latin.
This post is part of our ongoing series at Westbrae Literary Group introducing Latin authors — from Lucretius to Vergil to Augustine. We believe that even a little Latin can go a long way in understanding our intellectual and literary heritage.
Ready to explore? You can pick up *Latin: A Joyously Brief Introduction* today — under 100 pages, all the grammar you need, 200 must-know words, and hand-picked selections from 10 Latin authors.
Want more Latin in your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter and get occasional updates, author insights, and new releases from Westbrae Literary Group.