Spettatori e filosofi. Nota a Lucr. 2, 7-13 (e Cic. Tusc. 5, 8-9)

The image of the sage on the top of the tower of philosophy, who despises our worries about money and career (Lucr. 2, 7-13), is evidently linked to the topos of teichoskopia in epic literature, and to that of the ‘vision from above’ in scientific texts. Moreover, a striking parallel is to be found in Cic. Tusc. 5, 8-9, where Pythagoras describes the philosopher as a spectator of a game, thus superior to both merchants and athlets. The imperial readings of this image will show a philosopher who is interested only in ethics; Lucretius and Cicero, even if they believe in the preminence of moral issues, still give importance to naturalistic view.