Pythagoras of Samos

Mathematics Greek -570 – -495 260 quotes

An ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician, credited with the Pythagorean theorem and the founding of the Pythagorean school.

Most quoted

"Do not allow sleep to close your eyelids, before you have reviewed all your actions of the day. How have I erred? What have I done? What have I left undone? Begin from the first and go through to the last; and then, for the evil acts, chide yourself, and for the good rejoice."

— from The Golden Verses of Pythagoras

"Do not allow sleep to close your eyelids, before you have reviewed all your actions of the day. How have I erred? What have I done? What have I left undone? Begin from the first and go through to the last; and then, for the bad, be vexed, and for the good, be glad."

— from The Golden Verses of Pythagoras

"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. Indeed, he who sows the seed of murder and pain cannot reap joy and love."

— from Attributed by Ovid, -500

All quotes by Pythagoras of Samos (260)

Numbers rule the universe.

Oral tradition -550

Let not sleep approach your eyes until you have reviewed your day's actions.

Pythagorean golden verses -530

Pride is the beginning of sin.

Oral tradition -540

The beginning of health is learning to control the body.

Attributed in Iamblichus -520

Do not say a little in many words but a great deal in a few.

Pythagorean sayings -560

As long as men are greedy, there will be war.

Oral tradition -550

The study of mathematics is the best training for the mind.

Attributed by Aristotle -530

Souls never die, but always on being put in motion from time to time are transmigrated into other bodies.

Oral tradition -540

It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied.

Pythagorean aphorism -520

Learn to be silent. Let your quiet mind listen and absorb.

Oral tradition -560

Geometry is knowledge of the eternally existent.

Attributed in Proclus -550

No one is free who is not master of himself.

Pythagorean maxims -530

The purest treasure mortal times afford is spotless reputation.

Oral tradition -540

Medicine heals diseases of the body, wisdom heals diseases of the soul.

Attributed by Iamblichus -520

One should observe silence for a few days at a time.

Pythagorean discipline -560

The knowledge of number is the greatest of all arts.

Oral tradition -550

Harm no one; hate no one.

Pythagorean sayings -530

The world is built upon the power of numbers.

Attributed in Euclid -540

Let thy speech be better than silence, or be silent.

Oral tradition -520

The soul of man is divided into three parts.

Oral tradition -530

Contemporaries of Pythagoras of Samos

Other Mathematicss born within 50 years of Pythagoras of Samos (-570–-495).