Iamblichus' Life of Pythagoras, or Pythagoric Life / Accompanied by Fragments of the Ethical Writings of certain Pythagoreans in the Doric dialect; and a collection of Pythagoric Sentences from Stobaeus and others, which are omitted by Gale in his Opuscula Mythologica, and have not been noticed by any editor

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

63300

Title

Iamblichus' Life of Pythagoras, or Pythagoric Life / Accompanied by Fragments of the Ethical Writings of certain Pythagoreans in the Doric dialect; and a collection of Pythagoric Sentences from Stobaeus and others, which are omitted by Gale in his Opuscula Mythologica, and have not been noticed by any editor

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This 1818 translation by Thomas Taylor presents Iamblichus's authentic biography of Pythagoras, accompanied by ethical fragments and sentences. The text explores Pythagorean virtues, dietary laws, and the power of music to heal the soul, offering a sublime, ancient perspective on wisdom and philosophy.

Summary up to 500 words

Thomas Taylor's 1818 translation of Iamblichus's *Life of Pythagoras* presents the founder of philosophy as a figure of immense virtue and wisdom, elevated toward divinity. The work distinguishes the true philosopher from those driven by greed, power, or mere ambition, inviting only the 'genuine philosophic few' to approach this profound wisdom. Pythagoras is depicted as a man who tamed wild beasts through gentle persuasion, demonstrating a dominion over nature that rivals the legendary Orpheus. His teachings extended to all aspects of life, establishing strict dietary laws to maintain purity. He forbade the consumption of beans and animal flesh, arguing that all living beings share a kindred nature and that harming them violates a fraternal alliance. Furthermore, he prohibited the eating of specific parts like the heart and brain, viewing them as seats of wisdom. The text details the Pythagorean way of life, emphasizing tranquility, the rejection of contention, and the importance of friendship. Pythagoras taught that true glory lies in being what one appears to be, rather than seeking empty praise. He provided specific precepts for the young, urging them to avoid reviling others and to respect the elderly, and for women, advising modesty, equity, and fidelity. The volume also includes ethical fragments from early Pythagoreans such as Archytas and Hippodamus, focusing on the good life and human felicity. Additionally, it presents a collection of Pythagoric sentences, many of which were omitted by earlier editors. Taylor acknowledges the original text's imperfections but argues for its inestimable value, presenting Pythagoras as a specimen of perfection whose life and teachings elevate the human mind, deifying it through virtue and the contemplation of divine order.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63300.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg63300.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-07 19:28 UTC

Categories

• Classics
• Philosophy
• Biography