Atoms and void. The Universe consists of nothing but atoms and void. The atoms move deterministically, but occasionally take a random turn, or swerve, leading to new things. All things come from atoms and to atoms they eventually return. That is a summary of Epicurean physics, as captured by Lucretius in his work De rerum natura (On the Nature of Things), over two thousand years ago. When it was rediscovered in the 15th century, its ideas were subversive, and those who held similar ideas were subjected to the Inquisition or torture, or burned at the stake. Greenblatt's summary of Lucretius's epic poem depicts it as a humanist masterpiece, still resonating today with modern philosophy and science, and still perhaps capable of swerving humanity away from the darkness of superstition. His depiction of Italy during the 15th century is particularly bleak prior to the Renaissance taking hold, with the Catholic church perpetrating barbaric acts of violence and suppression in the name of perpetuating religious dogma, and in reaction to the new truths revealed by the likes of Galileo and inspired by the return of classical literature. He takes pains to admit that despite his book's title, the modern world is not due to one work only, but Lucretius had profound influence, including on at least one of the American founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson.

I found that reading the book was somewhat like watching an extended episode of Cosmos, fascinating and enlightening, and leaving one hungering for more. I now want to read Lucretius.