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)

In it [geometry] there is no place for opinion.

Attributed by Plato -540

Friends have all things in common.

Pythagorean community rule -520

The best path to wisdom is through silence and contemplation.

Oral tradition -560

Numbers govern the universe.

Attributed in Aristoxenus -550

Do not overleap the bounds of possibility.

Pythagorean maxims -530

The tetractys is the most binding oath.

Pythagorean symbol -540

Rebirth is the wheel of fortune.

Oral tradition -520

Harmony is the union of opposites.

Attributed in Philolaus -560

Avoid excess in all things.

Pythagorean sayings -550

The monad is the principle of number.

Oral tradition -530

Silence is the first element of self-control.

Pythagorean discipline -540

The dyad is the mother of numbers.

Attributed in Theon -520

Live concealed from the sight of others.

Oral tradition -560

The triangle is the beginning of all figures.

Pythagorean geometry -550

Purity of soul is the highest virtue.

Pythagorean maxims -530

The square is the symbol of justice.

Oral tradition -540

Contemplation of the divine is the soul's true food.

Attributed by Porphyry -520

The circle is the most perfect form.

Pythagorean symbolism -560

Strive for the golden mean in all actions.

Oral tradition -550

The harmony of the spheres governs the cosmos.

Attributed in Cicero -530

Contemporaries of Pythagoras of Samos

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