Pythagoras

Abstract

The influence of Pythagoras on the history of culture and ideas is incalculable, ranging from the entirety of ancient Greek philosophy, to the Jewish Essenes, the alchemy of early Arab scientists, and the geometry of today with the theorem that bears his name. This influence is one more of inspiration rather than a clear philosophical doctrine, for the information on Pythagoras, even in the day of Plato and Aristotle, is full of legend and contradiction, and the followers of Pythagoras themselves developed his ideas in individual and innovative ways. The order that Pythagoras founded and led was spiritual and philosophical as well as political, with moral precepts, sacred rituals and doctrine explaining the nature of life and the universe. Since the Tetraktus was called ‘the Oracle of Delphi’—the place where Greeks went for advice, divination and communication with the spiritual world—Pythagoras probably created and used the Tetraktus as a means of divination, of understanding the universe.