The Philosopher
Pythagoras
The face
The background
- Nationality:
- Greek
- Schools:
- Pythagoreanism
- Branchs:
- Ethics, Mathematics, Metaphysics, Music theory, mysticism, Politics, Religion
- Period:
- Pre-Socratic philosophy
The synopsis
Pythagoras of Samos was an ancient Ionian Greek philosopher, polymath, and the founder of Pythagoreanism. His teachings influenced Plato, Aristotle, and Western philosophy. Modern scholars debate his education and influences, but most agree he founded a school in Croton, Italy, with initiates sworn to secrecy and living an ascetic lifestyle. He was credited with mathematical and scientific discoveries, including the Pythagorean theorem, Pythagorean tuning, and the five regular solids. His most secure teaching was metempsychosis (transmigration of souls). His followers clashed with democrats, leading to persecution. Pythagoras likely died in Metapontum. His influence extended through Middle Platonism and Neopythagoreanism, impacting science and Western esotericism.
The works
The quotes
There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres.
As soon as laws are necessary for men, they are no longer fit for freedom.
Silence is better than unmeaning words.
Do not say a little in many words but a great deal in a few.
Strength of mind rests in sobriety; for this keeps your reason unclouded by passion.
Choose rather to be strong of soul than strong of body.
No one is free who has not obtained the empire of himself.
Begin thus from the first act, and proceed; and, in conclusion, at the ill which thou hast done, be troubled, and rejoice for the good.
The most momentous thing in human life is the art of winning the soul to good or evil.
A thought is an idea in transit.
There is a good principle which created order, light, and man, and an evil principle which created chaos, darkness, and woman.
Friends are as companions on a journey, who ought to aid each other to persevere in the road to a happier life.
There is nothing so easy but that it becomes difficult when you do it reluctantly.
Above the cloud with its shadow is the star with its light. Above all things reverence thyself.
The oldest, shortest words - 'yes' and 'no' - are those which require the most thought.
As long as man continues to be the ruthless destroyer of lower living beings he will never know health or peace. For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other.
Rest satisfied with doing well, and leave others to talk of you as they will.
Beans have a soul.
Do not talk a little on many subjects, but much on a few.
It is better wither to be silent, or to say things of more value than silence. Sooner throw a pearl at hazard than an idle or useless word; and do not say a little in many words, but a great deal in a few.
Concern should drive us into action and not into a depression. No man is free who cannot control himself.
Anger begins with folly, and ends with repentance.
Reason is immortal, all else mortal.
Virtue is harmony.
Above all things, reverence yourself.