Why did Lucretius believe that the gods did not control human affairs?

Lucretius, following the philosophy of Epicurus, maintained that while gods exist, they do not create or manipulate the world. He argued that the gods are composed of exceedingly fine atoms and live in a remote state of perfect happiness, characterized by an absence of emotional turmoil, bodily pain, and mental fear.1

Because they exist in this state of beatified, immortal perfection, they are completely extraneous to human affairs and remain unconcerned with the happenings of the world. Lucretius believed that understanding this nature of the gods was essential for humans to achieve peace of mind, as it allowed them to overcome the fear of divine intervention and religious punishment. By recognizing that the universe operates through the mechanical interaction of atoms rather than divine providence, individuals could pursue a life focused on maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain.12