Professor Edith Hall and comedian Desiree Burch join Greg Jenner to explore the life and myths surrounding ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras. They discuss his eccentricities, travels, philosophical beliefs, and controversial teachings. The episode also delves into Pythagoras' contributions to music theory and his impact on cultural consciousness. Controversies surrounding him as a cult leader are also explored. Plus, a quick-fire quiz to test your knowledge!
Pythagoras revolutionized the study of geometry, turning it into a separate discipline and propounding various theories.
Pythagoras believed that the material world was corrupt and inferior, emphasizing the dualism of soul and body and the significance of the soul's journey through multiple incarnations.
Pythagoras founded a mystical cult that captivated followers with unique beliefs and rituals, blurring the line between religion and philosophy.
Deep dives
Pythagoras: A Mystical Philosopher and Math Genius
Pythagoras, the enigmatic figure from ancient Greece, was not just a philosopher and math genius, but also a charismatic cult leader. Born in Samos, he traveled extensively, possibly to Egypt and Persia, absorbing knowledge and ideas from different cultures. He established a school in southern Italy, which some consider a religious mystery sect, while others argue it was an intellectual philosophical school. Regardless, Pythagoras is considered the father of geometry, as he transformed it into a distinct area of study and developed theories in music and mathematics. His famous Pythagorean theorem is well-known, but his musical and mathematical harmonies remain enigmatic. While there are myths and legends surrounding Pythagoras, historians debate the extent to which they are true. Nevertheless, his influence on philosophy and mathematics is undeniable.
Pythagoras: The Father of Geometry
Pythagoras revolutionized the study of geometry, turning it into a separate discipline and propounding various theories. Though he didn't invent Pythagoras' theorem, which was known to the Babylonians before him, he is credited with making it a central aspect of his mathematical teachings. Pythagoras believed that the material world was corrupt and inferior, emphasizing the dualism of soul and body and the significance of the soul's journey through multiple incarnations. He also explored the intriguing relationship between music and mathematics, recognizing the harmony and patterns within both domains. As a philosopher, Pythagoras made significant contributions to the development of ideas about the soul, metaphysics, and the ideal forms.
The Cult of Pythagoras: Mysticism and Initiation
Pythagoras was more than just an intellectual figure. He founded a mystical cult that captivated followers with its unique beliefs and rituals. The precise nature of the cult remains a subject of debate, with some arguing it was a religious sect and others a philosophical school. Pythagoras' teachings emphasized the importance of communal living, abstaining from killing insects, and refraining from cutting fingernails and toenails during sacred times. The cult members engaged in chanting and had a fascination with the natural world, showing an affinity for animals and insects. Despite the myths and legends surrounding Pythagoras and his cult, it is undeniable that he left a profound legacy in philosophy, mathematics, and the exploration of mystical ideas.
Pythagoras' Influence on Athletes
Pythagoras trained athletes to defeat their stronger opponents by emphasizing the importance of physical fitness and diet. He encouraged them to prioritize their health by following a regimen that included cutting out cheese, figs, and sweets, and focusing on a meat-based diet. His teachings reflected the belief that a strong body was necessary for optimal mental functioning and virtuous living.
Pythagoras' Unconventional Beliefs and Mysterious Death
Pythagoras' unconventional beliefs and practices set him apart from mainstream society. He believed in metempsychosis, the reincarnation of souls, extending this concept to include the vegetable world. Pythagoras had a profound aversion to violence and the consumption of meat, advocating for vegetarianism. Despite his reputation as a philosopher, Pythagoras' exact cause of death remains unclear. Stories suggest he either starved himself in a temple or perished in a fire started by his attackers during a political confrontation in Croton.
In this episode, Greg Jenner is joined by Professor Edith Hall and comedian Desiree Burch to learn all about ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras. Pythagoras is famous in maths classes everywhere for his triangle theorem, but surprisingly little is known about his actual life, and his theorem was actually invented by Babylonian mathematicians centuries before he was born! Taking in his beliefs about reincarnation, his possible divine parentage, and the cult he might have started, this episode explores the myths and legends that grew up in the ancient world about Pythagoras’s life in the centuries after his death.
Research by: Josh Rice
Written by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner
Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner
Audio Producer: Steve Hankey
Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse
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