Pythagoreanism

Pythagoreanism is a philosophical and mathematical school of thought that originated in ancient Greece. It was founded by Pythagoras, a philosopher and mathematician who believed that the universe could be explained through numbers and their relationships. The Pythagoreans believed in the concept of harmony, which they saw as a fundamental principle of the universe.

One of the most famous contributions of Pythagoreanism is the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. This theorem has had a profound impact on mathematics and science, and it continues to be used today. In addition to their mathematical contributions, Pythagoreans also believed in living a simple and virtuous life. They practiced vegetarianism, abstained from alcohol, and believed in reincarnation.

History
Pythagoreanism was founded by Pythagoras, a mathematician and philosopher who lived in the 6th century BC. The Pythagoreans believed that the universe was governed by mathematical principles and that numbers had mystical properties. The teachings of Pythagoras were passed down through his followers, who formed a secret society known as the Pythagorean Brotherhood. The Brotherhood was highly influential in Greek society, with many members holding positions of power and influence.

Despite its influence, Pythagoreanism declined in popularity during the Hellenistic period. However, its legacy lives on in modern mathematics and philosophy, where it continues to inspire new ideas and discoveries.

Beliefs
The Pythagoreans believed in the concept of harmony, which they saw as an essential aspect of the cosmos. They also believed in reincarnation and that all living beings had souls that could be reborn into different bodies. They practiced vegetarianism and abstained from eating beans because they believed them to be impure. Pythagoreanism emphasizes order, harmony, and balance in all aspects of life.