Beans, Triangles, and Cults: The Myth and Reality of Pythagoras

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the life of Pythagoras of Samos, the ancient Greek philosopher and polymath famous for the mathematical theorem that bears his name. We investigate why modern scholars debate whether he actually made the discoveries attributed to him, noting that the Pythagorean theorem was likely known to the Babylonians centuries before his time. Tune in to learn about the secretive school he founded in Croton, where followers lived a communal, ascetic lifestyle and were allegedly sworn to secrecy. We discuss his central doctrine of metempsychosis, the belief that the soul is immortal and transmigrates into a new body upon death. The episode also covers the bizarre legends surrounding his life, such as the claim that he possessed a golden thigh and could communicate with rivers and animals. We examine the strange prohibitions governing his sect, including the controversial restriction against eating fava beans. Finally, we look at the violent attacks that destroyed his meeting houses and his enduring influence on Plato and Western philosophy.