Iamblichus' Life of Pythagoras

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Iamblichus' Life of Pythagoras

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Thomas Taylor presents Iamblichus' authentic biographical account of Pythagoras, the father of philosophy. This Neoplatonic classic explores the sage's divine wisdom, ethical discipline, and profound friendship, offering timeless insights into virtue, the soul's ascent to divinity, and the rejection of material greed for a life of intellectual purity.

Summary up to 500 words

Thomas Taylor's edition of Iamblichus' *Life of Pythagoras* presents a profound memoir of the ancient philosopher, translated from the original Greek text. Taylor vigorously defends Iamblichus, a Syrian Neoplatonist revered by contemporaries as 'divine,' against modern critics who dismiss his work due to a perceived lack of rhetorical grace. Taylor argues that Iamblichus's profound intellect and sublime genius far outweigh any stylistic imperfections, noting that while his diction may lack the 'Mercurial Graces,' his conceptions are full of efficacy and divine depth. The text details the Pythagorean way of life, emphasizing frugality, silence regarding sacred doctrines, and the belief that philosophy supersedes agriculture and family ties. It recounts the sect's persecution by hostile factions, specifically the Cylonians, leading to the burning of their school and the scattering of their teachings. The volume includes extensive ethical fragments from early Pythagoreans such as Archytas, Euryphamus, and Hippodamus, alongside a collection of Pythagoric sentences. Taylor meticulously corrects errors in previous Latin translations by Ruffinus and others, striving to restore the genuine sense of these ancient maxims. The work portrays Pythagoras as a model of perfection, exhibiting piety without folly and science without sophistry. Ultimately, the book guides the reader toward a vision of divinity through rigorous moral and intellectual discipline, preserving the arcane and ineffable doctrines that were once guarded by the sect before their eventual dispersal.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Philosophy
• Biography