Three Philosophical Poets Lucretius, Dante, and Goethe   By: George Santayana (1863-1952)

Three Philosophical Poets by George Santayana is an engaging and insightful exploration of the works of Lucretius, Dante, and Goethe. Santayana, a renowned philosopher himself, brings his expertise to bear as he delves into the philosophical underpinnings of these great poets.

The book begins with an examination of Lucretius, the Roman poet and philosopher. Santayana highlights Lucretius' work "On the Nature of Things," which explores the philosophical concept of Epicureanism. Santayana provides a comprehensive analysis of Lucretius' ideas on the nature of reality, the pursuit of pleasure, and the avoidance of pain. He skillfully conveys the impact of Lucretius' ideas on subsequent philosophical thought, making a compelling case for the relevance of Lucretius even in contemporary times.

Moving on to Dante, Santayana delves into the intricacies of "The Divine Comedy." Through his analysis, the author conveys the deep philosophical themes woven into Dante's epic poem. Santayana showcases the journey of the soul through the realms of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, examining the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the protagonist. He explores Dante's concept of divine justice and the role of free will in human destiny. Santayana's interpretation of Dante's work is astute and illuminating, offering readers a fresh perspective on this timeless classic.

Lastly, Santayana turns his attention to Goethe, the renowned German writer and thinker. He explores the philosophical dimensions of Goethe's works, such as "Faust" and "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship." Santayana skillfully analyzes the themes of individuality, human nature, and the pursuit of knowledge present in Goethe's writings. He delves into the idea of Romanticism and its influence on Goethe's creative output, examining the tension between reason and emotion within his works.

Throughout the book, Santayana's writing is eloquent and persuasive, making complex philosophical concepts accessible to the reader. His deep knowledge of both philosophy and literature enables him to draw insightful connections between the thoughts expressed in these poets' works and broader philosophical currents.

However, it is worth noting that readers unfamiliar with the works of Lucretius, Dante, and Goethe might find some sections of the book challenging to follow. Santayana assumes a certain level of familiarity with these poets' works, which could limit the accessibility of the book to a broader audience. Nevertheless, for those well-versed in these authors, Santayana's analysis offers a rich and rewarding experience.

In conclusion, Three Philosophical Poets by George Santayana is a thought-provoking and erudite exploration of the works of Lucretius, Dante, and Goethe. Santayana's keen insights and deep understanding of philosophy and literature make this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the philosophical ideas embedded in these timeless poems. Whether one is a philosopher, a literature enthusiast, or simply a curious reader, this book offers a captivating journey into the profound philosophical musings of three remarkable poets.

First Page:

The present volume is composed, with a few additions, of six lectures read at Columbia University in February, 1910, and repeated in April of the same year, at the University of Wisconsin. These lectures, in turn, were based on a regular course which I had been giving for some time at Harvard College. Though produced under such learned auspices, my book can make no great claims to learning. It contains the impressions of an amateur, the appreciations of an ordinary reader, concerning three great writers, two of whom at least might furnish matter enough for the studies of a lifetime, and actually have academies, libraries, and university chairs especially consecrated to their memory. I am no specialist in the study of Lucretius; I am not a Dante scholar nor a Goethe scholar. I can report no facts and propose no hypotheses about these men which are not at hand in their familiar works, or in well known commentaries upon them. My excuse for writing about them, notwithstanding, is merely the human excuse which every new poet has for writing about the spring... Continue reading book >>