Pythagoras of Samos: Ancient Greek Philosopher Series

Although we all have heard of the Pythagorean Theorem, not many people know that its namesake held many other beliefs on a variety of subjects. Pythagoras of Samos (approximately 570-495 B.C.) was an ancient Ionian Greek philosopher who is believed to have made significant strides in the mathematical, scientific, and philosophical fields. 

Pythagoras is widely credited for having discovered many previously unknown mathematical principles and laws, the most renown being the Pythagorean Theorem. But scholars debate whether in fact his later followers were the ones who really fleshed out these theories. 

In life, Pythagoras was mainly known as an expert on life after death. He taught the theory of metempsychosis, or “transmigration of the soul,” which was essentially the belief in an immortal soul and reincarnation. Pythagoras believed that souls were reincarnated as humans and animals after death. 

Although none of Pythagoras' original works survive, there are many references to him and his work in the writings of others. Xenophanes of Colophon, a contemporary of Pythagoras, mocks him and his transmigration theory, writing: “once when he [Pythagoras] was present at the beating of a puppy, he pitied it and said ‘stop, don’t keep hitting him, since it is the soul of a man who is dear to me, which I recognized, when I heard it yelping.’” 

Pythagoras believed that everything was mathematical, and is also credited as creator of the concept musica universalis, which states that the planets in our solar system move according to mathematical equations, which in turn produce an inaudible symphony of music.

In the scientific world, he is believed to have made crucial findings such as dividing the earth into different climate zones, as well as declaring that the earth was spherical. 

Interestingly, he was allegedly the first person to use, when referring to himself, the term “philosopher,” meaning “lover of wisdom.” He also is accredited in laying the foundation for the modern movement of vegetarianism.

Pythagoras provided the blueprints to scientific, mathematical, philosophical and even spiritual knowledge for the ancient and contemporary world of scholars, which introduces the concept that math/science and the more spiritual aspects of life are not as dissimilar as we may think.

Bibliography:

Pythagoras (Wikipedia)

Pythagoras (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)