The classical Roman writer Lucretius was not a scientist. However, he was a convert. The Greek philosopher Epicurus had developed a theory of how the collision of atoms brought about all the phenomena of everyday life and that human happiness could only be attained by banishing superstition through a careful study of the universe and its processes.

Lucretius took the ideas of Epicurus and created one of the most remarkable documents of the ancient world, a full-throated exposition of the Epicurean world-view. This work has come down to us in a poem called de rerum natura, On the Nature of Things.

In honor of this work, which highlights the close historical link between the humanities and the science disciplines, you are invited to join in a public reading of Lucretius’ poem outside the Main Library on Tuesday, March 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as part of the 2025 UGA Humanities Festival. We will be reading from the translation of Classics UGA alumna and MacArthur Prize winner A.E. Stallings. Readers will include UGA students, administrators, faculty members, and community residents and public officials.

Those who would like to join as a reader should contact Charles Platter (cplatter@uga.edu). Reading times are available throughout the day.