Pythagoras

Mathematics Greek -570 – -495 350 quotes

Founded mathematical philosophy and the Pythagorean theorem

Quotes by Pythagoras

Friends are as companions on a journey, who ought to aid each other to persevere on the road to a happier life.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

The highest goal of music is to connect our soul to our divine nature, not for entertainment.

Iamblichus, On the Pythagorean Life

The world is a living being, endowed with soul and intelligence.

Fragments of Pythagorean thought

Despise all that is base, and do not be afraid of what is noble.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

Know thyself, and thou shalt know the universe and God.

Attributed

The most beautiful figure is the sphere, and the most beautiful solid is the pyramid.

Fragments of Pythagorean thought

A blow from your friend is better than a kiss from your enemy.

Attributed

Do not go to bed until you have reviewed the day's actions. What wrong have I done? What good have I achieved? What have I omitted that I should have done?

The Golden Verses of Pythagoras

The soul of man is immortal and divine.

Fragments of Pythagorean thought

There is nothing permanent except change.

Attributed (often associated with Heraclitus, but Pythagorean influence on cosmic flux is present)

The highest wisdom is to know that you know nothing.

Attributed (often associated with Socrates, but reflects a Pythagorean humility)

The universe is a harmony of opposites.

Fragments of Pythagorean thought

Practice justice in word and deed, and do not get used to acting thoughtlessly about anything.

The Golden Verses of Pythagoras

The most perfect number is six, for it is the sum of its divisors.

Fragments of Pythagorean thought

Do not allow sleep to close your eyelids, before you have reviewed all your actions of the day.

The Golden Verses of Pythagoras

The earth is a sphere.

Attributed (Pythagoreans were among the first to propose this)

Honour your parents and your relatives.

The Golden Verses of Pythagoras

The cosmos is a well-ordered whole.

Fragments of Pythagorean thought

The path of life is a journey of self-discovery.

Attributed

A fool is known by his speech; and a wise man by silence.

Attributed