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Pythagoras

Biography

  • 570 – 490 BCE 
  • Born in Samos, Greece
  • Spent part of his life in Egypt studying ‘secret knowledge’ 
  • Philosopher, mathematician and a great teacher
  • Discovered Pythagorean Theorem
  • Founded a secret society – Pythagorean Brotherhood
  • Had a great impact on progressing vegetarian movement

 

Pythagoras Quotes

Notable Works

Pythagoras had no specific writings, but some are attributed to his work.

The Golden Verses of Pythagoras a collection of sayings attributed to Pythagoras and his followers, they embody what we know about his teachings today. 

Impact on History

Aristotle believed Pythagoras to be a supernatural being

Contributed to the development of mathematics and rational philosophy

Influenced algebra, geometry, astronomy, and music

Pythagorean theorem was used by Babylonians and is still used today

Pythagoras influenced the work of 

  • Plato
  • Aristotle
  • Isaac Newton
  • Nicolas Copernicus
  • Johannes Kepler
  • Benjamin Franklin

Blog Posts

Pythagoras Quotes List

Affirmations

12. But above all things respect thyself.
Pythagoras

Visualization Board

Physical Health / Body

32. in no wise neglect the health of thy body;
33. But give it drink and food in due measure, and also the exercise of which it has need.
34. Now by measure I mean what will not incommode thee.
Pythagoras

Family / Relationships

08. Power is a near neighbor to necessity.
Pythagoras
09. Know that all these things are as I have told thee; and accustom thyself to overcome and vanquish these passions:
10. First gluttony, sloth, sensuality, and anger.
Pythagoras
11. Do nothing evil, neither in the presence of others, nor privately;
Pythagoras

Reflect and Review

15. But always make this reflection, that it is ordained by destiny that all men shall die.
Pythagoras
27. Consult and deliberate before you act, that you may not commit foolish actions.
28. For it is the part of a miserable man to speak and to act without reflection.
Pythagoras
40. Never suffer sleep to close thy eyelids, after thy going to bed,
41. Till thou hast examined by thy reason all thy actions of the day.
42. Wherein have I done amiss?
What have I done?
What have I omitted that I ought to have done?
Pythagoras
43. If in this examination thou find that thou hast done amiss, reprimand thyself severely for it;
44. And if thou hast done any good, rejoice.
Pythagoras
45. Practise thoroughly all these things; meditate on them well; thou oughtest to love them with all thy heart.
46. ‘Tis they that will put thee in the way of divine virtue.
Pythagoras