Read the attached article about Pythagoras. Then take a quiz.
Reading Practice: Who Was Pythagoras?
Several Inspirational Quotes by Pythagoras:
1. "Number is the ruler of forms and ideas, and the cause of gods and daemons."
- This quote highlights Pythagoras's belief in the fundamental role of numbers in the universe. He viewed numbers not just as mathematical concepts, but as the very essence of existence, influencing the physical world and even the divine. This idea underscores the mystical and philosophical significance of mathematics in Pythagorean thought.
2. "Educate the children and it won't be necessary to punish the men."
- Pythagoras emphasizes the importance of education from a young age, suggesting that proper education and upbringing can prevent future misdeeds and contribute to a harmonious society. This quote reflects the Pythagorean emphasis on virtue, self-discipline, and the development of moral character.
3. "Silence is better than unmeaning words."
- Here, Pythagoras values meaningful communication and the importance of silence. The quote suggests that thoughtless or irrelevant speech is inferior to the power and profundity of silence, a concept that resonates with the Pythagorean practice of periods of silence as a form of discipline and self-reflection.
4. "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."
- Pythagoras was one of the earliest advocates for vegetarianism, linking the treatment of animals to the behavior of humans towards each other. This quote reflects his belief in the interconnectedness of all life and suggests that violence against animals correlates with violence among humans. It underscores his broader ethical teachings, which advocate for harmony and non-violence.
5. "Strength of mind rests in sobriety; for this keeps your reason unclouded by passion."
- This quote speaks to the value Pythagoras placed on sobriety and self-control. He believed that a clear mind, free from the influence of excessive emotions or substances, is essential for rational thought and decision-making. This principle was a key part of the Pythagorean way of life, which included dietary restrictions and ethical conduct aimed at maintaining physical and mental purity.
6. "Man know thyself; then thou shalt know the Universe and God."
- Pythagoras connects self-knowledge with a deeper understanding of the universe and the divine. This quote encapsulates the Pythagorean belief in introspection and self-awareness as pathways to comprehending the larger mysteries of existence. It reflects the ancient Greek maxim to "know thyself," which was inscribed at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and has been a foundational concept in Western philosophy.