Neopythagoreanism

1) Pythagoras’ Philosophy:

Pythagoras was an ancient Greek philosopher who lived in the 6th century BCE. He is widely known for his contributions to mathematics and for the famous Pythagorean theorem. However, Pythagoras was also a significant figure in the history of philosophy, and his teachings had a profound impact on subsequent philosophers, particularly in the areas of metaphysics and ethics.

One of the most fundamental aspects of Pythagoras’ philosophy was his belief in the underlying unity and harmony of the universe. According to Pythagoras, everything in the cosmos, from the planets to the smallest particles, is connected and interrelated. This interconnectedness was expressed in terms of numbers and mathematics, which Pythagoras believed to be the key to understanding the natural world.

Pythagoras saw numbers as the basic building blocks of the universe, and believed that they were imbued with a divine, mystical quality. He saw mathematics as a means of understanding and connecting with the divine, and believed that through the study of numbers and geometry, one could come to understand the fundamental principles that govern the cosmos.

Pythagoras’ philosophy was also deeply concerned with the nature of the soul and the afterlife. He believed that the soul was immortal and that it existed before and after physical death. For Pythagoras, the goal of life was to purify the soul and to achieve harmony with the divine. He believed that this could be accomplished through a life of contemplation, asceticism, and self-discipline.

Central to Pythagoras’ ethical teachings was the concept of karma or “cosmic justice”. Pythagoras believed that every action we take has a corresponding effect on the universe, and that we will be held accountable for our actions in the afterlife. He emphasized the importance of leading a virtuous life, and saw the cultivation of virtues such as honesty, courage, and temperance as essential for achieving harmony with the divine.

Pythagoras’ teachings also had a significant impact on later philosophers. For example, Plato was heavily influenced by Pythagorean ideas, particularly in the areas of metaphysics and ethics. Plato believed that the universe was governed by mathematical principles, and he saw the study of mathematics as a means of attaining a deeper understanding of the nature of reality. Plato also adopted Pythagoras’ ideas about the soul, and saw the cultivation of virtues as essential for achieving a harmonious and fulfilling life.

2) Nigidius Figulus and Pythagoreanis:

Nigidius Figulus was a Roman scholar, poet, and politician who lived in the first century BCE. He was known for his interest in philosophy and the occult, and was closely associated with the Pythagoreans, a philosophical and religious movement that originated in ancient Greece. Nigidius Figulus played an important role in the transmission of Pythagorean ideas to Rome and was highly respected by many of his contemporaries for his intellectual accomplishments.

The Pythagoreans were a group of philosophers who followed the teachings of Pythagoras, a Greek philosopher who lived in the 6th century BCE. Pythagoras is best known for his work in mathematics, but he also had a strong interest in philosophy, religion, and the mystical. The Pythagoreans believed in the immortality of the soul, the transmigration of the soul after death, and the importance of harmony and balance in all aspects of life. They also believed in the existence of a divine order in the universe, and sought to understand and align themselves with this order through the study of mathematics, music, and philosophy.

Nigidius Figulus was strongly influenced by Pythagorean ideas and sought to promote them in Rome. He was known for his extensive knowledge of astrology, magic, and divination, which he believed were all important tools for understanding the hidden workings of the universe. He also believed in the importance of living a virtuous life and in the power of the human will to shape the course of one’s destiny.

Nigidius Figulus was highly respected by many of his contemporaries, including the Roman statesman Cicero, who wrote of him in glowing terms in his works. Cicero described Nigidius Figulus as a “man of great learning and culture,” who was “deeply versed in all the mysteries of philosophy and the occult.” He also praised Nigidius Figulus for his ability to combine practical knowledge of astrology and divination with a deep understanding of philosophy and ethics.

Nigidius Figulus was also respected by the Roman emperor Augustus, who considered him a close friend and advisor. Augustus was known for his interest in astrology and was said to consult Nigidius Figulus on matters of state. In fact, it was said that Augustus delayed a military campaign until Nigidius Figulus gave him the go-ahead, based on the favorable alignment of the stars.

Nigidius Figulus’s influence on Pythagoreanism in Rome was significant. He wrote several works on philosophy and the occult, including a commentary on the works of Pythagoras and a treatise on divination. He also founded a school of philosophy in Rome, which attracted many students interested in the Pythagorean way of life.

3) Secundus the Silent and Pythagoreanism:

Secundus the Silent, also known as Secundus the Philosopher, was a 2nd-century AD Greek philosopher and Pythagorean mystic. He was a contemporary of the famous philosopher and mathematician, Apollonius of Tyana, and is known for his contributions to the development of Pythagoreanism, a philosophical and mystical tradition that was founded by the Greek philosopher Pythagoras.

Secundus was born in the early 2nd century AD in Alexandria, Egypt, a city that was renowned for its intellectual and cultural richness. He was born into a wealthy family and received a high-quality education. However, he felt a strong pull towards philosophical and spiritual pursuits, which led him to seek out the teachings of Pythagoras, who was renowned for his wisdom and spiritual insight.

Pythagoreanism was a philosophical and mystical tradition that was founded by Pythagoras in the 6th century BC. It was based on the idea that the universe is governed by mathematical principles, and that the study of mathematics could lead to a deeper understanding of the world and the cosmos. Pythagoreans also believed in the transmigration of the soul, the idea that the soul is immortal and that it reincarnates into different bodies after death.

Secundus was deeply influenced by the teachings of Pythagoras, and he became a devoted follower of the Pythagorean tradition. He was known for his devotion to the Pythagorean way of life, which emphasized spiritual purity, intellectual discipline, and ethical conduct. He was also known for his strict adherence to the Pythagorean doctrine of silence, which held that the true wisdom could only be communicated through silence, and that speech should be used sparingly.

Secundus’ contribution to Pythagoreanism was his development of the Pythagorean doctrine of silence. He believed that the power of silence was essential for the cultivation of spiritual insight and wisdom. He saw silence as a way of purifying the mind and the soul, and of attaining a deeper understanding of the universe and the self. He also believed that silence was a way of honoring the divine, which he saw as the ultimate source of wisdom and truth.

Secundus’ emphasis on silence was not just a matter of abstaining from speech. He saw silence as a way of cultivating a certain kind of inner stillness, a state of mind that was free from distractions and external influences. He believed that this stillness was essential for the cultivation of spiritual insight and wisdom, and that it was a necessary precondition for the attainment of mystical experiences.

Secundus was also known for his mystical teachings, which were based on the Pythagorean idea that the universe was governed by mathematical principles. He saw the universe as a vast, interconnected web of mathematical relationships, and he believed that these relationships could be understood through the cultivation of spiritual insight and the practice of inner stillness. He also believed that the transmigration of the soul was a way of attaining spiritual growth and enlightenment, and that the ultimate goal of the Pythagorean tradition was the attainment of divine wisdom and union with the divine.

4) Iamblichus and Pythagoreansim:

Iamblichus was a Syrian philosopher who lived in the 3rd and 4th century AD, and was known for his work in the area of philosophy and religion. He was an important figure in the development of Neoplatonism, and his work on Pythagoreanism was highly influential. 

Pythagoreanism is an ancient philosophy that originated in ancient Greece and was named after the philosopher Pythagoras. It is a highly mystical and esoteric philosophy, focused on the idea of the unity of all things and the harmony of the universe. Pythagoreanism has been described as a philosophy of numbers, and its adherents believed that numbers had a divine and mystical significance.

Iamblichus was a follower of Pythagoreanism, and he developed his own system of Pythagorean philosophy that built on the teachings of Pythagoras and his followers. Iamblichus believed that Pythagoreanism was a way of life, rather than a set of philosophical ideas. He believed that Pythagoreanism was about living in harmony with the divine order of the universe and achieving spiritual enlightenment.

According to Iamblichus, Pythagorean philosophy was based on three principles: philosophy, mathematics, and music. Philosophy was seen as the foundation of Pythagoreanism, and it was believed that through philosophy, one could come to understand the true nature of reality. Mathematics was seen as a way of understanding the structure of the universe, while music was believed to have the power to harmonize the soul with the divine order of the universe.

Iamblichus believed that Pythagoreanism was a highly spiritual philosophy, and that the goal of the Pythagorean was to achieve spiritual enlightenment and union with the divine. He believed that the Pythagorean philosophy was not just a set of abstract ideas, but a way of life that involved the cultivation of virtues such as wisdom, courage, and self-control.

One of the key ideas of Iamblichus’ Pythagoreanism was the concept of theurgy, which he defined as a form of divine action that involved the use of ritual and other spiritual practices to achieve union with the divine. Theurgy was seen as a way of working with the divine forces of the universe to achieve spiritual enlightenment and transcendence.

Iamblichus’ ideas on Pythagoreanism were highly influential, and they had a significant impact on the development of Neoplatonism. Neoplatonism was a philosophical movement that developed in the 3rd century AD, and it was heavily influenced by the teachings of Pythagoreanism and other ancient philosophies.

One of the most important figures in the development of Neoplatonism was Plotinus, who was a student of Ammonius Saccas, a philosopher who was influenced by the teachings of Iamblichus. Plotinus developed a highly complex system of Neoplatonic philosophy that drew on the ideas of Pythagoreanism, Platonism, and other ancient philosophies.

5) Neopythagoreanism Today:

Neopythagoreanism is a modern-day philosophical movement that draws its inspiration from the teachings of Pythagoras, the ancient Greek philosopher, mathematician, and mystic. Although the original Pythagorean school of philosophy ceased to exist in the 4th century BCE, its ideas and teachings have continued to influence Western thought, including in the fields of mathematics, music, and spirituality. Today, neopythagoreanism is a vibrant movement that seeks to explore the relevance and application of Pythagorean ideas in the modern world.

At its core, neopythagoreanism is concerned with the idea that the universe is fundamentally ordered and harmonious. This order and harmony are expressed in the relationships between numbers, which Pythagoras saw as the fundamental building blocks of reality. For Pythagoras, numbers were not simply abstract concepts but were integral to the very structure of the universe. This idea has continued to influence Western thought and has been expressed in various fields, from mathematics and science to music and spirituality.

One of the key themes of neopythagoreanism is the idea that the study of mathematics and music can lead to a deeper understanding of the universe and of oneself. For Pythagoras, mathematics and music were not separate disciplines but were closely connected, both reflecting the underlying order and harmony of the universe. Neopythagoreanism seeks to explore this connection further, looking at the ways in which mathematics and music can help us to understand the fundamental structure of reality and to cultivate a deeper sense of harmony in our lives.

Another important aspect of neopythagoreanism is the idea that the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge is a lifelong journey. Pythagoras believed that true knowledge was not simply a matter of acquiring information but of cultivating a deep understanding of the universe and of oneself. This required a commitment to lifelong learning and self-reflection, as well as a willingness to embrace new ideas and perspectives. Neopythagoreanism seeks to continue this tradition of lifelong learning, exploring new avenues for intellectual and spiritual growth.

Neopythagoreanism also places great emphasis on the idea of personal transformation. For Pythagoras, the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge was not simply an intellectual exercise but was also a means of personal transformation. Neopythagoreanism similarly seeks to explore the ways in which the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom can lead to personal growth and self-discovery. This includes the cultivation of virtues such as self-discipline, humility, and compassion, as well as the development of practices such as meditation and mindfulness that can help us to cultivate a deeper sense of harmony and balance in our lives.

Overall, neopythagoreanism is a rich and multifaceted philosophical movement that draws its inspiration from the ancient wisdom of Pythagoras. While many of the ideas and teachings of Pythagoras may seem abstract and esoteric, neopythagoreanism seeks to show how they can be applied in practical ways in the modern world. By exploring the connections between mathematics, music, and spirituality, as well as the pursuit of knowledge and personal transformation, neopythagoreanism offers a unique and compelling vision of what it means to live a rich and fulfilling life.