Pythagoras was a renowned ancient Greek mathematician, philosopher, and religious leader who lived around 570-495 BC. In this post, we share many powerful Pythagoras quotes for daily inspiration.
Early Life
The life of Pythagoras is somewhat enshrouded in myth and legend. However, his contributions to mathematics, science, and philosophy have left an indelible mark on human civilization.
Pythagoras was born on the island of Samos, which was then a part of the Greek Empire. He is believed to have traveled widely throughout the ancient world, studying under different philosophers and religious leaders.
His extensive education and curiosity about the world led him to synthesize various fields of knowledge. This paved the groundwork for what we now consider mathematics and philosophy.
The Pythagorean Theorem
One of Pythagoras’s most enduring contributions is the Pythagorean theorem. This theorem states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
It is a fundamental principle in geometry with wide-ranging applications. Not just for mathematics and trigonometry. Applications can be found across many disciplines, from architecture and engineering to navigation and surveying.
Source: Wikipedia
A Mathematical Universe
Beyond mathematics, Pythagoras founded a religious and philosophical movement known as Pythagoreanism. His beliefs were centered around the idea of a harmonious and ordered universe, guided by numbers.
He proposed that everything in the world could be explained by numerical relationships and ratios. At the time, this notion of a mathematical universe was groundbreaking. It influenced the development of science and philosophy for centuries to come.
Influencing Religious Traditions and Music
The Pythagoreans emphasized the importance of ethics, self-examination, and the pursuit of wisdom. They also believed in the transmigration of souls, a precursor to the concept of reincarnation. This had a profound influence on later philosophical and religious traditions.
Additionally, Pythagoras and his followers made significant advancements in music theory. For example, they are credited with discovering mathematical relationships between musical intervals. This understanding greatly impacted the development of Western music.
A Strong Code of Conduct
Pythagoras’s influence extended beyond the theoretical realm. He was also known for his practical contributions to society.
He introduced a code of conduct and communal living for his followers. In this code, he advocated for simplicity, vegetarianism, and a strong sense of community. These principles, which emphasized harmony and balance in daily life, had a lasting impact on ethical and communal living systems.
Pythagoras and his followers were highly influential in ancient Greek society. Their ideas found their way into the works of philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, who further developed and spread Pythagorean concepts.
Source: Wikipedia
Closely Guarded Beliefs
Despite his remarkable achievements, Pythagoras’s life was not without controversy.
His religious teachings and the secretive nature of the Pythagorean Brotherhood raised suspicions in some quarters. It is said that Pythagoras and his followers kept their doctrines and discoveries closely guarded. According to historians, they maintained a sense of mystery around their beliefs which often led to speculations and misconceptions.
The Legacy of Pythagoras
Pythagoras was a multifaceted figure whose influence extended far beyond his time. His mathematical contributions remain fundamental to geometry. And his philosophical ideas laid the groundwork for ethical and metaphysical thought. He is not only remembered as a mathematician but also as a philosopher, a teacher, a musician, and a proponent of a harmonious way of life.
Famous Pythagoras Quotes
Below are timeless Pythagoras quotes from throughout his life and teachings. We hope these will be a source of inspiration and courage in your life.
“The art of living happily is to live in the present.”
“As long as man continues to be the ruthless destroyer of lower living beings, you will never know health or peace.”
“There is nothing so easy, but that it becomes difficult when you do it reluctantly.”
“Be silent or let thy words be worth more than silence.”
“Strength of mind rests in sobriety, for this keeps your reason unclouded by passion.”
“Above all things, reverence yourself.”
“No man is free who cannot control himself.”
“Numbers are the highest degree of knowledge. It is knowledge itself.”
“True and perfect friendship is to make one heart and mind of many hearts and bodies.”
“Choices are the hinges of destiny.”
“Choose always the way that seems the best, however rough it may be; custom will soon render it easy and agreeable.”
“Rather be strong of soul than strong of body.”
“Numbers rule the universe.”
“Above all things, respect yourself.”
“A thought is an idea in transit.”
“Love that shines from within cannot be darkened by obstacles of the world of consequences.”
“Friends are as companions on a journey who ought to aid each other to persevere on the road to a happier life.”
“Do not say a little in many words but a great deal in a few.”
“A fool is known by his speech and a wise man by silence.”
“Wisdom thoroughly learned will never be forgotten.”
“Virtue is harmony.”
“The most momentous thing in human life is the art of winning the soul to good.”
“Rest satisfied with doing well, and leave others to talk of you as they please.”
“Concern should drive us into action and not into a depression.”
“Learn silence. With the quiet serenity of a meditative mind, listen, absorb, transcribe, and transform.”
“The oldest, shortest words — yes and no — are those that require the most thought.”
Pythagoras Quotes – Final Words
Born in Greece, Pythagoras was a renowned ancient mathematician, philosopher, and religious leader who lived around 570-495 BC. He made substantial impact on the fields of mathematics, science, philosophy, and even music. He was also a proponent of ethical living. While much of his life was enshrouded in mystery, Pythagoras left an enduring legacy that continues to shape the world today.
We hope you enjoyed these famous Pythagoras quotes. Check out our site for more sources of inspiration.
