On the Nature of the Universe Book 2

Book 2 from On the Nature of the Universe by Lucretius, was a good read but very difficult to follow along when I was reading. One part that really stuck out to me was when he was preaching that wealth does not make a man happy but its nature that provides happiness to people. He states that, “Nature does not miss these luxuries when men recline in company on the soft grass by running stream under the branches of a tall tree and refresh their bodies pleasurably at small expense.” In today’s society, it may seem like that is not the case. Being wealthy is almost everyone goal and they are striving to have good amount of money every day. Also because of how our daily lives are constructed, there are people that do not appreciate nature like they should. People forget how beautiful and peaceful nature is and this can be from work and from all the technology upgrades that we have in our lives. So, I want to agree with Lucretius about how happiness is not from wealth but from nature, but I am a victim of thinking wealth is the way to happiness. I truly believe it is because of the competitive society we know live in and also how celebrities portray to everyone how life is being rich. Most people believe that in order to live a great life and a happy one, they need to have money in order to achieve that goal. But there are some that are happy with what they have which should be everyone because not living a happy life might be the worst way to go about your life.