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Dan Snow's History Hit
Pythagoras' Utopia
Dec 23, 2023
Kristen Ghodsee, an ethnographer and author of Everyday Utopia, joins Dan to discuss Pythagoras' utopia and other attempts at creating paradise throughout history, including gender equality and communal property. They also explore the dualist belief system of the Bogomiles, its influence on the Albigensian Crusade, and the potential for reorganizing life on other planets based on historical experiments.
28:58
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Quick takeaways
- Pythagoras established a commune in Croton, Italy, where property was shared in common and women had equal status, challenging mainstream Greek society and laying the foundation for future utopian ideals.
- The Bogomils, a religious group from the 9th-10th century, aimed for spiritual enlightenment by rejecting the material world and embracing gender equality, influencing later spiritual movements and contributing to the development of utopian thought.
Deep dives
The Origins of Utopias: Pythagoras and Communal Living
The history of utopias dates back centuries, with various attempts to create alternative societies that challenge economic inequality and hierarchical rule. One such example is Pythagoras, known for his mathematical theorem, but also as an early pioneer of utopia. Pythagoras established a commune in Croton, Italy, where property was shared in common and women had equal status. They lived as a community, eating meals together and raising children communally. This radical way of living challenged mainstream Greek society and laid the foundation for future utopian ideals.
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