Who were the pythagoreans?

The Pythagoreans were a group of ancient Greek philosophers and mathematicians who followed the teachings of Pythagoras, a philosopher and mathematician who lived in the 6th century BC. They were a secretive and influential group that profoundly impacted the development of mathematics, philosophy, and religious thought.

Here are some key aspects of the Pythagoreans:

Key Beliefs and Practices:

* Number as the foundation of all things: The Pythagoreans believed that numbers were the fundamental building blocks of the universe. They saw specific numerical relationships and patterns in everything from musical harmony to astronomical cycles.

* Harmony and order: They believed that the universe was governed by harmonious and ordered principles, which could be understood through mathematics.

* Transmigration of souls: They believed in the reincarnation of souls, where the soul transmigrated from one body to another after death.

* Vegetarianism: They practiced a vegetarian diet, believing that animals possessed souls.

* Secretive practices: The Pythagoreans had a secretive society with strict rules of conduct and initiation rituals.

Contributions:

* Pythagorean Theorem: Perhaps their most famous contribution was the discovery of the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

* Number theory: They made significant advancements in number theory, including the discovery of perfect numbers, amicable numbers, and the study of odd and even numbers.

* Music theory: They developed a system of musical scales and harmonies based on mathematical ratios.

* Astronomy: They made observations of the celestial bodies and developed theories about the structure of the universe.

* Philosophy: Their ideas about the nature of reality, the soul, and ethics influenced later philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle.

Legacy:

The Pythagoreans' influence on Western thought was immense. Their belief in the power of numbers, their contributions to mathematics, and their philosophical ideas have had a lasting impact on the development of science, philosophy, and religious thought.

It's important to note: While the Pythagoreans made significant contributions, their ideas and practices were often steeped in mysticism and secrecy. Over time, the group splintered into factions, and their influence declined. However, their legacy continues to resonate even today.