Pythagoras

Pythagorean theorem, mathematics

Ancient influential 148 sayings

Sayings by Pythagoras

The Monad (Unity) is the principle of stability since it preserves the identity of any number that it interacts with.

c. 570-495 BCE (attributed later) — A philosophical belief within Pythagorean numerology.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The Monad (Unity) is the principle of stability since it preserves the identity of any number that it interacts with.

c. 570-495 BCE (attributed later) — A philosophical belief within Pythagorean numerology.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

Number is the ruler of forms and ideas, and the cause of gods and daemons.

c. 570-495 BCE (attributed later) — A fundamental philosophical statement reflecting the Pythagorean belief that 'everything is number'.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The soul of man is divided into three parts, intelligence, reason, and passion. Intelligence and passion are possessed by other animals, but reason by man alone.

c. 570-495 BCE (reported 3rd century CE) — Philosophical statement on the human soul, reported by Alexander Polyhistor and Diogenes Laërtius.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Do not go to bed until you have gone over the day three times in your mind. What wrong did I do? What good did I accomplish? What did I forget to do?

c. 570-495 BCE — An ethical self-examination practice, found in the 'Golden Verses'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Do not go to bed until you have gone over the day three times in your mind. What wrong did I do? What good did I accomplish? What did I forget to do?

c. 570-495 BCE — An ethical self-examination practice, found in the 'Golden Verses'.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

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

c. 570-495 BCE (attributed later) — Advice on the importance of silence and contemplation, a key aspect of Pythagorean discipline.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

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

c. 570-495 BCE (attributed later) — Advice on the importance of silence and contemplation, a key aspect of Pythagorean discipline.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

If you have a wounded heart, touch it as little as you would an injured eye. There are only two remedies for the suffering of the soul: hope and patience.

c. 570-495 BCE (attributed later) — A philosophical reflection on emotional healing.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If you have a wounded heart, touch it as little as you would an injured eye. There are only two remedies for the suffering of the soul: hope and patience.

c. 570-495 BCE (attributed later) — A philosophical reflection on emotional healing.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

None can be free who is a slave to, and ruled by, his passions.

c. 570-495 BCE (attributed later) — A philosophical statement on self-control and freedom.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

None can be free who is a slave to, and ruled by, his passions.

c. 570-495 BCE (attributed later) — A philosophical statement on self-control and freedom.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

If you're asked: What is the silence? Respond: It is the first stone of the Wisdom's temple.

c. 570-495 BCE (attributed later) — A philosophical riddle and answer, emphasizing the importance of silence.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If you're asked: What is the silence? Respond: It is the first stone of the Wisdom's temple.

c. 570-495 BCE (attributed later) — A philosophical riddle and answer, emphasizing the importance of silence.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

You should make great things, not promising great things.

c. 570-495 BCE (attributed later) — Advice on action over mere words.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You should make great things, not promising great things.

c. 570-495 BCE (attributed later) — Advice on action over mere words.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

Lust weakens both body and mind.

c. 570-495 BCE (attributed later) — A moral or ethical warning against excessive desire.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

As soon as laws are necessary for men, they are no longer fit for freedom.

c. 570-495 BCE (attributed later) — A philosophical statement on the relationship between law and freedom.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Above the cloud with its shadow is the star with its light. Above all things reverence thyself.

c. 570-495 BCE — Aphorism from the 'Golden Verses'.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Do nothing evil, neither in the presence of others, nor privately; But above all things respect yourself.

c. 570-495 BCE — An ethical injunction from the 'Golden Verses'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable