Pythagoras. The name alone evokes thoughts of triangles and high school math. But the man behind the famous theorem was far more than a mathematician. He was a philosopher, a mystic, and—depending on who you ask—almost a deity.

The Elusive Life of Pythagoras

Pythagoras was born around 570 BCE on the island of Samos, Greece. His early life remains a mystery, with conflicting reports about his travels and education. Some sources claim he studied in Egypt, Babylon, or even India, learning mathematics, philosophy, and religious doctrines. Others suggest he absorbed knowledge from various secretive priesthoods.

He eventually settled in Croton, a Greek colony in southern Italy. There, he founded a secretive philosophical and religious community. His followers, known as Pythagoreans, adhered to strict rules, including vegetarianism and communal living. They also believed numbers held divine significance.

The Pythagorean Theorem: A Legacy Etched in Stone

If you remember anything about Pythagoras, it’s probably his theorem:

a² + b² = c²

This formula defines the relationship between the sides of a right-angled triangle. However, Pythagoras may not have been the first to discover it. Ancient Babylonians had similar mathematical concepts centuries earlier.

Still, Pythagoras and his school helped formalize and spread mathematical principles. They treated numbers almost religiously, believing they revealed the fundamental order of the universe. In their view, mathematics wasn’t just about solving equations—it was about unlocking cosmic truths.

The Cult of Pythagoras

Pythagoras wasn’t just a mathematician; he was a spiritual leader. His followers practiced a form of mysticism that merged mathematics, philosophy, and religion. They believed the soul was immortal and underwent reincarnation, an idea likely influenced by Eastern traditions.

They also embraced a belief in numerical harmony. To them, numbers governed reality—music, the cosmos, even the human soul. This obsession led them to study musical ratios, planetary movements, and geometric patterns, seeking divine order in everything.

The Forbidden Teachings

The Pythagoreans had strict secrecy codes. Outsiders were rarely allowed into their inner circle, and initiates followed rigorous disciplines. Some sources claim that only the most devoted students learned Pythagoras’ deepest teachings.

Legends suggest he could perform miracles, like controlling animals or predicting earthquakes. While likely exaggerated, these stories highlight the aura of mysticism surrounding him. His followers treated him as a semi-divine figure, not just a teacher.

Pythagoras’ Downfall and Death

For all its secrecy, the Pythagorean movement didn’t last. Conflicts with local political leaders led to violent attacks on their community. Some stories claim their headquarters in Croton was burned down, forcing Pythagoras and his followers into exile.

The exact details of his death are uncertain. One version claims he starved to death while fleeing. Another says he was killed in a revolt against his school. Either way, his direct influence ended, but his ideas endured.

The Pythagorean Influence on Philosophy

Pythagoras’ impact extended beyond mathematics. His ideas shaped the philosophies of Plato and, later, Neoplatonists. Plato’s concept of an abstract world of perfect forms mirrors Pythagorean thought.

His school’s focus on numbers as fundamental truths influenced early scientific thought. Even today, modern physics relies on mathematical principles to describe reality. In many ways, Pythagoras was a bridge between mysticism and science.

Pythagoras: The Man vs. The Myth

Much of what we know about Pythagoras comes from later writers, often centuries after his time. This makes it difficult to separate historical fact from legend. Did he really discover the theorem that bears his name? Did he perform miracles?

We may never know the full truth. What’s certain is that his ideas shaped mathematics, philosophy, and science for generations. Whether man or myth, Pythagoras remains one of history’s most fascinating figures.

Stay Curious

The next time you see a right triangle, remember—there’s a whole legacy hidden in those angles. Pythagoras wasn’t just a mathematician; he was a visionary who saw the universe in numbers. And whether through equations or esoteric beliefs, his influence lingers.