The 35 Best Famous Phrases of Pythagoras

Pythagoras (569 BC – 475 BC) was a renowned Greek philosopher and mathematician, famous for being considered the first pure mathematician in history. His contributions had an impressive impact on mathematics, arithmetic or geometry and even music and astronomy.

Phrases from Pythagoras the Greek

The theoretical legacy of Pythagoras had an important influence on both Plato and Aristotle and, in general, on Hellenic rational philosophy. One of his most studied theoretical postulates, the Pythagorean theorem, helps us know the characteristics of triangles.

To get to know this important Greek philosopher more closely, in today’s article we are going to learn about the best phrases of Pythagoras as well as several of his famous quotes that have transcended the centuries.

1. Don’t be ambitious and stingy; the right measure is excellent in such cases.

Spiritual health is in balance, according to Pythagoras.

2. Save the tears of your children, so that they can water your grave with them.

A sad allegory that exhorts us to treat our children with love.

3. Men who always speak truth are those who come closest to God.

A statement that elevates honest people.

4. Have only one wife and one friend. The forces of body and soul cannot tolerate any more.

A limiting vision about the affection to share.

5. Listen, you will be wise. The beginning of wisdom is silence.

A famous phrase by Pythagoras in which he invites us to observe and listen carefully.

6. I prefer the staff of experience to the fast car of fortune. The philosopher travels on foot.

Man’s vanity makes him a slave to his money.

7. He who does not know how to shut up does not know how to speak.

If you are not able to listen, you are not able to understand.

8. Don’t make your body the tomb of your soul.

One of those phrases from Pythagoras that motivates us to move forward.

9. Above all, respect yourselves.

A fundamental maxim for a mentally healthy life.

10. Happiness consists of being able to unite the beginning with the end.

Giving meaning to what we do, therein lies the key to the mystery.

11. Educate the children and it will not be necessary to punish the men.

An example of the vital importance that Pythagoras gave to the upbringing of children.

12. Educating is not giving a career to live, but tempering the soul for the difficulties of life.

Along the lines of the previous one.

13. It is necessary to find the infinitely great in the infinitely small, to feel the presence of God.

The small details of everyday life contain its divine essence, according to Pythagoras.

14. If you want to live long, keep some stale wine and an old friend.

A tip for longevity.

15. Write your friend’s faults in the sand.

With this reflection, Pythagoras explains to us that we should not keep in memory the mistakes of our loved ones.

16. Silence is the first stone of the temple of wisdom.

Another phrase in which the Greek philosopher encourages us to develop this sense.

17. Friendship is a harmonious equality.

Reciprocity is an inherent quality of a true friendship.

18. Help your peers lift their load, but do not consider yourself obligated to carry it.

Solidarity and obligation are antagonistic terms.

19. Shut up or say something better than silence.

Very much in line with other famous quotes from Pythagoras.

20. The soul is a chord; the dissonance, its illness.

Harmony in the spirit guarantees a memorable life.

21. Man is mortal because of his fears and immortal because of his desires.

Longings make us transcend time limits.

22. Choose the best way to live; custom will make it pleasant to you.

About the good life.

23. There is a good principle, which has created order, light and man, and a bad principle, which has created chaos, darkness and women.

Especially sexist phrase read from the perspective of the 21st century.

24. The earth profusely gives wealth and peaceful food. And he provides you with food that is free of death and blood.

About the goodness of Mother Nature and its fruits.

25. Measure your desires, weigh your opinions, count your words.

A phrase from Pythagoras linked to self-control.

26. A beautiful old age is, ordinarily, the reward of a beautiful life.

About positive old age.

27. The beginning is half of the whole.

Mathematical metaphor that can have different interpretations.

28. If you suffer injustices, console yourself, because the true misfortune is to commit them.

Philosophical phrase that we should all remember.

29. It is better for a man to keep his mouth closed, and for others to believe him a fool, than to open it and for others to be convinced that he is so.

Perhaps his most remembered famous quote.

30. O legislator! Do not give me laws for the people, but people for the laws.

A metaphorical plea to the legislative branch.

31. Nothing perishes in the Universe; everything that happens in it does not go beyond mere transformations.

Everything changes, nothing remains unchanged. Phrase from Pythagoras that Heraclitus could well have pronounced.

32. About all things, two totally contrary statements can be made.

The language allows it.

33. You will see that men’s evils are the result of their choice; and that they seek the source of good far away, when they carry it within their heart.

Great phrase to reflect on.

34. Purify your heart before allowing love to settle in it, for the sweetest honey turns sour in a dirty glass.

If you are not ready, you better not start any love story.

35. Do not despise anyone; an atom casts a shadow.

About respect for other people.