Lucan

Lucan, whose full name was Marcus Annaeus Lucanus, was a Roman poet born around 39 CE in Corduba, Hispania (modern-day Córdoba, Spain). He is best known for his epic poem, Pharsalia (also called The Civil War), which narrates the events leading up to and including the conflict between Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great. Lucan’s work is notable for its dramatic portrayal of the Roman civil war and its complex moral themes, which set it apart from other classical epics. Although he came from a well-known family of philosophers and orators, Lucan’s career as a poet was marked by both political involvement and personal conflict with the ruling Emperor Nero.

Lucan was highly influenced by the Stoic philosophy, and his works often reflect themes of fate, freedom, and moral virtue. His poem Pharsalia was unique in that it did not glorify war or its heroes, but rather questioned the human cost of ambition and the destructive power of civil conflict. Lucan’s personal life, however, was marked by tension with the emperor; he was accused of conspiracy against Nero and ultimately committed suicide in 65 CE at the age of 25. His untimely death only added to the mystique of his legacy as one of Rome's most tragic literary figures.

Lucan's writings are filled with profound quotes that reflect his Stoic beliefs and his reflections on power and destiny. One of his famous quotes is, "The fates are against me." This speaks to his belief in the inevitable power of fate over human actions, a central theme in his works. Another quote, "It is better to be free than to be a slave to power," reflects his disdain for the tyranny of absolute rulers like Nero and his admiration for the virtue of freedom over subjugation.