Lucretius quotes

Lucretius was a Roman poet and philosopher, best known for his didactic epic "On the Nature of Things". His work explored the philosophy of Epicureanism and explained the nature of the universe through reason and observation. He influenced later thinkers with his rational approach to the world and poetic exposition of science. Here are 66 of his quotes:

So potent was religion in persuading to evil deeds.

Lucretius

What is food to one, is to others bitter poison.

Lucretius

Nothing can be produced from nothing.

Lucretius

Pleasant it is, when over a great sea the winds trouble the waters, to gaze from shore upon another's great tribulation; not because any man's troubles are a delectable joy, but because to perceive you are free of them yourself is pleasant.

Lucretius

Life is one long struggle in the dark.

Lucretius

Thus the sum of things is ever being reviewed, and mortals dependent one upon another. Some nations increase, others diminish, and in a short space the generations of living creatures are changed and like runners pass on the torch of life.

Lucretius

In the midst of the fountain of wit there arises something bitter, which stings in the very flowers.

Lucretius

It is great wealth to a soul to live frugally with a contented mind.

Lucretius

Such are the heights of wickedness to which men are driven by religion.

Lucretius

The first-beginnings of things cannot be distinguished by the eye.

Lucretius

Truths kindle light for truths.

Lucretius

The drops of rain make a hole in the stone, not by violence, but by oft falling.

Lucretius

The greatest wealth is to live content with little, for there is never want where the mind is satisfied.

Lucretius

Though the dungeon, the scourge, and the executioner be absent, the guilty mind can apply the goad and scorch with blows.

Lucretius

Why dost thou not retire like a guest sated with the banquet of life, and with calm mind embrace, thou fool, a rest that knows no care?

Lucretius

Violence and injury enclose in their net all that do such things, and generally return upon him who began.

Lucretius

Never trust her at any time, when the calm sea shows her false alluring smile.

Lucretius

To none is life given in freehold; to all on lease.

Lucretius

All religions are equally sublime to the ignorant, useful to the politician, and ridiculous to the philosopher.

Lucretius

By protracting life, we do not deduct one jot from the duration of death.

Lucretius

A thing therefore never returns to nothing.

Lucretius

We are all sprung from a heavenly seed.

Lucretius