The Swerve: How the Renaissance Began

This is a book about a book, On the Nature of Things by Lucretius, a work of philosophy that attempts to explain the nature of the world that we live in, and tries to lay out what it is that makes for a good human life. This was a work that was well known in Ancient Greece, but was since lost. It was rediscovered six hundred years ago, at a time when most of the wisdom and knowledge of the ancient word had been lost....and it became one of the many forces that inspired the renaissance.

Lucretius Carus was a roman poet and philosopher. He was a disciple of Epicurus. His book, De Rerum Natura (On the Nature of Things) is an epic poem that lays out the philosophy of Epicureanism, which explains the workings of the universe from a purely natural and physical standpoint. It seeks to liberate humanity from fear, whether it is the fear of a vengeful God or the fear of death.

The Swerve is a historical account of the rediscovery of Lucretius' epic poem, and the impact it had on the western world. Greenblatt argues that De Rerum Natura wasn't just another old book; it was a catalyst for a new way of thinking. The poem's emphasis on empirical observation, its scepticism towards superstition, and its embrace of earthly joys contributed to a growing spirit of inquiry and a renewed appreciation for human experience.

Lucretius's ideas challenged the dominant religious dogma of the day and offered an alternative vision of the universe and humanity's place within it. This had an impact on the art, science, and philosophy of the Renaissance, paving the way for the Enlightenment and the modern world that we know. The rediscovery of Lucretius wasn't a sudden revolution, but a gradual, almost clandestine, infiltration of new ideas that ultimately transformed the world.

The Swerve is a very special book. Reading it feels like stepping back in time and witnessing a pivotal moment in intellectual history. Greenblatt weaves together historical detail, literary analysis, and compelling storytelling to create a narrative that is truly immersive.