Pythagoreanism - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Pythagoreanism: A school of philosophical and religious thought attributed to Pythagoras of Samos (c. 570 – c. 495 BCE), though the exact nature of his teachings remains shrouded in mystery. Was he a mathematician who stumbled upon divine truths, or a mystic employing numbers as a symbolic language for the soul? What we think we know as Pythagoreanism might be a tapestry woven from the threads of his influence and the beliefs of his followers.
References to Pythagoras appear in fragments from pre-Socratic philosophers like Heraclitus and Empedocles, hinting at the existence of a distinct group practicing unique rituals and holding specific beliefs as early as the 6th century BCE. This period was one of intense intellectual ferment in the Greek world. While the rational investigations of the Milesian philosophers sought natural explanations for the cosmos, Pythagoreanism proposed a hidden order governed by mathematical harmony. It was a time of political upheaval as well, with city-states vying for power and new forms of governance emerging alongside ancient traditions.
Over time, Pythagoreanism evolved. By the 4th century BCE, figures like Plato and Archytas incorporated aspects of Pythagorean thought into their own philosophies. Plato's emphasis on the Forms reflects a Pythagorean influence, and Archytas, a Pythagorean statesman and mathematician, was said to have been a friend of Plato. The Golden Verses, a collection of ethical precepts attributed to the Pythagoreans, offer insights into their emphasis on self-discipline and the pursuit of virtue. Later Neoplatonists, like Iamblichus, further developed Pythagorean ideas into a comprehensive system of metaphysics and ritual practice, solidifying its legacy as a mystical tradition. What secrets might be found within the lost books and whispered teachings of the early Pythagoreans? How can we reconcile their seeming devotion to both tangible calculations and ethereal spirituality, and what was the truth about their secret societies?
Pythagoreanism's impact resonates far beyond the ancient world. From its influence on mathematics and music theory to its symbolic presence in art and literature, the tradition continues to intrigue. Modern interpretations often focus on the mystical and esoteric aspects of Pythagoreanism, finding parallels with numerology, astrology, and other esoteric systems. The Pythagorean theorem remains a cornerstone of geometry, but perhaps its greater legacy is its invitation to seek harmony between the visible world and the hidden realms of number and proportion. What enduring questions about the nature of reality did Pythagoras and his followers seek to answer, and how do their answers relate to the challenges we face today?