The Pythagorean Silence

Pythagoreans were associated from Plato's time, if not earlier, with a practice of silence. The tradition calls them Akusmatikoi and Mathe-Maticoi respectively. This split into two groups is reported by Yamblokus,. Aristotle tells us that the Mathe-maticoi claimed to be following Pythagoras but were actually followers of Hipposos of Metapontum. But let's just say for now that the evidence attests that the Pythagoreans knew how to keep their mouth shut.