Summary of Pythagoras & His Weird Religious Cult

Main Ideas and Concepts

• Pythagoras as a Historical Figure

  Pythagoras is often recognized as a pre-Socratic philosopher, known primarily for his contributions to mathematics and geometry. He lived between the 6th and 5th centuries BC and is sometimes referred to as the first philosopher. Much of what is known about Pythagoras comes from later sources, as he did not write any texts himself, leading to a blending of legend and historical fact.

• The Pythagorean Movement

  Pythagoras founded a distinct group known as the Pythagoreans, characterized by a unique way of life and specific teachings. The Pythagorean way of life included rituals, rules, and a focus on the nature of the soul, which was believed to be immortal and subject to reincarnation.

• Teachings on the Soul and Reincarnation

  Pythagoras taught that the soul is separate from the body and survives after death, a belief that was unusual for his time. He is associated with the concept of reincarnation, as illustrated by stories of recognizing the souls of friends in animals.

• Pythagorean Lifestyle and Rules

  The Pythagoreans adhered to a strict lifestyle that included vegetarianism and various ritualistic practices. Specific rules included abstaining from beans, not entering temples barefoot, and following a structured daily conduct.

• Mystery Cult Characteristics

  The Pythagorean group shared similarities with ancient mystery cults, including secret initiation rituals and a focus on esoteric teachings. They practiced silence, both literally and in terms of keeping the teachings secret from outsiders.

• Later Influence and Legacy

  Pythagorean ideas about numbers, harmony, and the cosmos were developed further by later philosophers, particularly within the context of neo-Pythagoreanism and Neoplatonism. Pythagoras' teachings influenced many later thinkers, including Plato, although the exact origins of mathematical ideas attributed to him are debated.

Methodology and Instructions (Pythagorean Way of Life)

• Dietary Rules
  • Follow a vegetarian diet.
• Ritual Conduct
  • Do not enter temples barefoot.
  • Pour libations to the gods from the ear or handle of the cup.
  • Do not wear images of gods on your fingers.
  • Do not sacrifice a white animal.
• Specific Prohibitions
  • Do not eat beans, as they are considered sacred or have negative associations.
  • Avoid picking up things that fall from the table to practice moderation.
• General Conduct
  • Live a contemplative life with an emphasis on moderation and self-control.
  • Observe silence for a period before being initiated into the group, suggesting a commitment to secrecy and contemplation.

Speakers/Sources Featured

• Diogenes Laertius: Provided accounts of Pythagoras' life.
• Porphyry: Wrote about Pythagorean teachings.
• Iamblichus: A Neoplatonist who discussed the Pythagorean way of life.
• Aristotle: Mentioned Pythagorean legends and teachings.

Notable Quotes

— 00:44 — « Cult leader, shaman, and hater of beings probably not words that you associate with Pythagoras, but words that might not be too far off from the truth. »

— 03:07 — « Pythagoras was seen as an expert on the nature of the soul and its fate after death. »

— 07:35 — « Stop! Do not beat it, for it is the soul of a friend that I recognized when I heard it screaming. »

— 10:10 — « You weren't supposed to travel on public roads and perhaps the strangest of them all, you were absolutely not allowed to eat beans. »

— 21:11 — « Basically, they were kind of like the hippies of antiquity. »

Category

Educational

Video