November 1, 2025 · 17 min read · By Amara Okafor

157 Best Pythagoras Quotes on Inspiration, Motivation and Life Success

Meet Pythagoras, the ancient brainiac from Greece, born roughly in 570 BCE. He wasn't just about numbers; this guy blended math with spirituality. You've probably heard of the Pythagorean theorem—his…

157 Best Pythagoras Quotes on Inspiration, Motivation and Life Success — cover image

Meet Pythagoras, the ancient brainiac from Greece, born roughly in 570 BCE. He wasn't just about numbers; this guy blended math with spirituality. You've probably heard of the Pythagorean theorem—his claim to math fame, especially with triangles. But Pythagoras was more than angles; he believed in soul-hopping and that everything's connected. His ideas stuck around, making him the cool ancient dude who mixed math and mystique.

37 Powerful Motivational Pythagoras Quotes That Can Change Your Life


1. “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” – Pythagoras

2. “Concern should drive us into action and not into a depression. No man is free who cannot control himself.” – Pythagoras

3. “Do not look back when leaving.” – Pythagoras

4. “It is only necessary to make war with five things; with the maladies of the body, the ignorances of the mind, with the passions of the body, with the seditions of the city and the discords of families.” – Pythagoras

5. “You should make great things, not promising great things.” – Pythagoras

6. “Be equally indifferent to blame and praise“ – Pythagoras

7. “Learn to be silent. Let your quiet mind listen and absorb.” – Pythagoras

8. “Silence is better than unmeaning words.” – Pythagoras

9. “Do not go to bed until you have gone over the day three times in your mind. What wrong did I do? What good did I accomplish? What did I forget to do?“ – Pythagoras

10. “The wise man should be prepared for everything that does not lie within his control.” – Pythagoras

11. “The beginning of every government starts with the education of our youth.” – Pythagoras

12. “Don’t try to cover your mistakes with false words. Rather, correct your mistakes with examination.” – Pythagoras

13. “Choose rather to be strong of soul than strong of body.” – Pythagoras

14. “As soon as you awake, in order lay the actions to be done the coming day.” – Pythagoras

15. “Strength of mind rests in sobriety; for this keeps your reason unclouded by passion.” – Pythagoras

16. “Government exists only for the good of the governed.” – Pythagoras

17. “Let no one persuade you by word or deed to do or say whatever is not best for you.” – Pythagoras

18. “Declining from the public ways, walk in unfrequented paths.” – Pythagoras

19. “Practice justice in word and deed, and do not get in the habit of acting thoughtlessly about anything.” – Pythagoras

20. “Assist a man in raising a burden; but do not assist him in laying it down.” – Pythagoras

21. “Ability and necessity dwell near each other.” – Pythagoras

22. “It is difficult to walk at one and the same time many paths of life.” – Pythagoras

23. “Practice restraint over the following: appetite, first, as well as sleep, lust, and anger.” – Pythagoras

24. “Respect gods before demigods, heroes before men, and first among men your parents; but respect yourself most of all.” – Pythagoras

25. “Instruct thyself for time and patience favor all.” – Pythagoras

26. “Do not even think of doing what ought not to be done.” – Pythagoras

27. “Without Justice, no realm may prosper.” – Pythagoras

28. “Step not beyond the beam of the balance.” – Pythagoras

29. “A good Soul hath neither too great joy, nor too great sorrow: for it rejoiceth in goodness; and it sorroweth in wickedness. By the means whereof, when it beholdeth all things, and seeth the good and bad so mingled together, it can neither rejoice greatly; nor be grieved with over much sorrow.” – Pythagoras

30. “In this theater of man’s life, it is reserved only for God and angels to be lookers-on.” – Pythagoras

31. “Consider before acting, to avoid foolishness: It is the worthless man who speaks and acts thoughtlessly.” – Pythagoras

32. “It is requisite to defend those who are unjustly accused of having acted injuriously, but to praise those who excel in a certain good.” – Pythagoras

33. “One must choose in all things a mean just and good.” – Pythagoras

34. “Neither will the horse be adjudged to be generous, that is sumptuously adorned, but the horse whose nature is illustrious; nor is the man worthy who possesses great wealth, but he whose soul is generous.” – Pythagoras

35. “Many words befall men, mean and noble alike; do not be astonished by them, nor allow yourself to be constrained.” – Pythagoras

36. “Do not take roads traveled by the public.” – Pythagoras

37. “Whatever they think of you, do what you think is fair.” – Pythagoras

37 Powerful Pythagoras Quotes to Ignite Inspiration for Success

Dive into an inspiring journey with 37 impactful quotes by Pythagoras. He encourages us to soar like eagles, prioritize self-respect, and embrace the pursuit of knowledge. These nuggets of wisdom, from advocating virtue to the transformative power of silence, offer a roadmap for success. Pythagoras' timeless guidance invites you to navigate life's path with purpose and self-discovery. Get ready to be inspired and motivated by the simple yet profound insights of this ancient philosopher.

1. “If you can become an eagle, do not strive to become the first among the jackdaws.” – Pythagoras

2. “Be a good son, just brother, tender and good spouse, and father.” – Pythagoras

3. “Most men and women, by birth or nature, lack the means to advance in wealth and power, but all have the ability to advance in knowledge.” – Pythagoras

4. “No one is free who has not obtained the empire of himself. No man is free who cannot command himself.” – Pythagoras

5. “The oldest, shortest words – ‘yes’ and ‘no’ – are those which require the most thought.” – Pythagoras

6. “Learn silence. With the quiet serenity of a meditative mind, listen, absorb, transcribe, and transform.” – Pythagoras

7. “Rest satisfied with doing well, and leave others to talk of you as they please.” – Pythagoras

8. “Above the cloud with its shadow is the star with its light. Above all things reverence thyself.” – Pythagoras

9. “Some are slaves of ambition or money, but others are interested in understanding life itself. These give themselves the name of philosophers, and they value the contemplation and discovery of nature beyond all other pursuits.” – Pythagoras

10. “But respect yourself most of all.” – Pythagoras

11. “Friendship is one soul in two bodies.” – Pythagoras

12. “Educate the children and it won’t be necessary to punish the men.” – Pythagoras

13. “Choose always the way that seems the best, however rough it may be; custom will soon render it easy and agreeable.” – Pythagoras

14. “A man is never as big as when he is on his knees to help a child.” – Pythagoras

15. “Speak not nor act before thou hast reflected.” – Pythagoras

16. “None can be free who is a slave to, and ruled by, his passions.” – Pythagoras

17. “Remind yourself that all men assert that wisdom is the greatest good, but that there are few who strenuously seek out that greatest good.” – Pythagoras

18. “Above all things, respect yourself.” – Pythagoras

19. “Wealth is a weak anchor, and glory cannot support a man; this is the law of God, that virtue only is firm, and cannot be shaken by a tempest.” – Pythagoras

20. “To cognize the Divine Essence – this is the highest purpose of soul, sent by the Creator to the Earth!“ – Pythagoras

21. “He buries gold who hides the truth.” – Pythagoras

22. “We come from God. As the tree from the root and the stream from the spring; that’s why we should always be in contact with Him, as the trunk from the root. Because the stream dries up when it is separated from the spring and the tree dies when is uprooted.” – Pythagoras

23. “It is required to find the infinitely big inside what’s infinitely small to feel the presence of God.” – Pythagoras

24. “Govern your tongue before all other things, following the gods.” – Pythagoras

25. “When the wise man opens his mouth, the beauties of his soul present themselves to the view, like the statues in a temple.” – Pythagoras

26. “Despise all those things which when liberated from the body you will not want; invoke the Gods to become your helpers.” – Pythagoras

27. “As the sea-crab swimmeth always against the stream, so doth wit always against wisdom.” – Pythagoras

28. “Truth is to be sought with a mind purified from the passions of the body. Having overcome evil things, thou shalt experience the union of the union mortal divinity with the mortal man.” – Pythagoras

29. “Those alone are dear to Divinity who are hostile to injustice.” – Pythagoras

30. “He who knoweth not what he ought to know, is a brute beast among men; he that knoweth no more than he hath need of, is a man among brute beasts; and he that knoweth all that may be known, is as a God among men.” – Pythagoras

31. “Dear youths, I warn you cherish peace divine, And in your hearts lay deep these words of mine.” – Pythagoras

32. “You will know that wretched men are the cause of their own suffering, who neither see nor hear the good that is near them, and few are the ones who know how to secure release from their troubles.” – Pythagoras

33. “So tutor youth that the sins of age be not imputed to thee.” – Pythagoras

34. “When going to the temple to adore Divinity neither say nor do any thing in the interim pertaining to the common affairs of life.” – Pythagoras

35. “Begin thus from the first act, and proceed; and, in conclusion, at the ill which thou hast done, be troubled, and rejoice for the good.” – Pythagoras

36. “He lived far from the gods, but in his mind he was at home with them.” – Pythagoras

37. “Above the cloud with its shadow is the star with its light. Above all things reverence thyself.” – Pythagoras

30 Best Pythagoras Quotes On Life that You Should Know Before You Get Old

Embark on a journey of wisdom with Pythagoras and his 30 insightful quotes on life. From the simplicity of living in the present to the profound impact of numbers, these nuggets of wisdom resonate with timeless truths. Pythagoras encourages self-command for genuine freedom, highlighting the pursuit of wisdom over material wealth. These quotes serve as a compass for navigating life's complexities, offering guidance for a fulfilling and enlightened existence.

1. “The great science of living happily is to live only in the present.” – Pythagoras

2. “Even as truth, error has its lovers.” – Pythagoras

3. “It is difficult to walk at one in the same time many paths of life.” – Pythagoras

4. “Never trust a friend who speaks bad of his comrades.” – Pythagoras

5. “No one is free who has not obtained the empire of himself.” – Pythagoras

6. “Number rules the universe.” – Pythagoras

7. “Let exercise alternate with rest.” – Pythagoras

8. “Time is the soul of this world.” – Pythagoras

9. “The wind is blowing. Adore the wind.” – Pythagoras

10. “So in life, some enter the services of fame and others money, but the best choice is that of those few who spend their time in the contemplation of nature, and as lovers of wisdom.” – Pythagoras

11. “If you have a wounded heart, touch it as little as you would an injured eye. There are only two remedies for the suffering of the soul: hope and patience.” – Pythagoras

12. “Hate and fear breed a poison in the blood, which if continued, affects eyes, ears, nose and the organs of digestion. Therefore, it is not wise to hear and remember the unkind things others might say about you.” – Pythagoras

13. “As soon as laws are necessary for men, they are no longer fit for freedom.” – Pythagoras

14. “We ought so to behave to one another as to avoid making enemies of our friends, and at the same time to make friends of our enemies.” – Pythagoras

15. “Every man has been made by God in order to acquire knowledge and contemplate.” – Pythagoras

16. “The experience of life in a finite, limited body is specifically for the purpose of discovering and manifesting supernatural existence.” – Pythagoras

17. “Write in the sand the flaws of your friend.” – Pythagoras

18. “Having departed from your house, turn not back; for the furies will be your attendants.” – Pythagoras

19. “A blow from your friend is better than a kiss from your enemy.” – Pythagoras

20. “There are in woman’s eyes two sorts of tears, – the one of grief, the other of deceit.” – Pythagoras

21. “Thou shalt likewise know that according to Law, the nature of this universe is in all things a like.” – Pythagoras

22. “He is not rich, that enjoyeth not his own goods.” – Pythagoras

23. “We ought not to quit our post without the permission of Him who commands; the post of man is life.” – Pythagoras

24. “Do not spend in excess like one who is careless of what is good, nor be miserly; the mean is best in every case.” – Pythagoras

25. “Let a man use great reverence and manners to himself.” – Pythagoras

26. “A stranger, if just, is not only to be preferred before a countryman, but a kinsman.” – Pythagoras

27. “Meaningful silence is better than meaningless words.” – Pythagoras

28. “Do not chase after happiness, it is always in you“ – Pythagoras

29. “Friends are the companions on a journey who are to aid each other to persevere on the road to a happier life.” – Pythagoras

30. “If you cannot have a faithful friend, be your own friend.” – Pythagoras

53 Quotes of Pythagoras on Wisdom to Make You Wiser

Discover the profound wisdom of Pythagoras through 53 illuminating quotes on wisdom. From the power of silence to the divine connection of music, each quote unveils layers of timeless insights. Pythagoras emphasizes the significance of self-awareness, the influence of numbers on the universe, and the harmony in celestial bodies. His teachings extend to the interconnectedness of all things and the eternal pursuit of truth. As you delve into these quotes, let the wisdom of Pythagoras guide you toward a wiser and more enlightened existence.

1. “The soul is dyed the color of its thoughts. Think only on those things that are in line with your principles and can bear the light of day. The content of your character is your choice. Day by day, what you do is who you become.” – Pythagoras

2. “A person who is captured by his passions cannot be free.” – Pythagoras

3. “Learn silence with the quiet serenity of a meditative mind. Listen, absorb, transcribe and transform.” – Pythagoras

4. “A fool is known by his speech, and a wise man by silence.” – Pythagoras

5. “Power is the near neighbor of necessity.” – Pythagoras

6. “Anger begins in folly and ends in repentance.” – Pythagoras

7. “Wisdom thoroughly learned will never be forgotten.” – Pythagoras

8. “The highest goal of music is to connect one’s soul to their Divine Nature, not entertainment.” – Pythagoras

9. “As long as man continues to be the ruthless destroyer of lower living beings he will never know health or peace. For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other.” – Pythagoras

10. “Man know thyself; then thou shalt know the Universe and God.” – Pythagoras

11. “God built the universe on numbers.” – Pythagoras

12. “In anger we should refrain both from speech and action.” – Pythagoras

13. “Be silent or let thy words be worth more than silence.” – Pythagoras

14. “It is better to be silent, than to dispute with the Ignorant.” – Pythagoras

15. “There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres.” – Pythagoras

16. “Number is the ruler of forms and ideas, and the cause of gods and demons.” – Pythagoras

17. “If there be light, then there is darkness; if cold, heat; if height, depth; if solid, fluid; if hard, soft; if rough, smooth; if calm, tempest; if prosperity, adversity; if life, death.” – Pythagoras

18. “Number is the within of all things.” – Pythagoras

19. “A stone is frozen music.” – Pythagoras

20. “Reason is immortal, all else mortal.” – Pythagoras

21. “If you’re asked: What is the silence? Respond: It is the first stone of the Wisdom’s temple.” – Pythagoras

22. “The stars in the heavens sing a music, if only we had ears to hear.” – Pythagoras

23. “Each celestial body, in fact each and every atom, produces a particular sound on account of its movement, its rhythm or vibration. All these sounds and vibrations form a universal harmony in which each element, while having it’s own function and character, contributes to the whole.” – Pythagoras

24. “None but God is wise.” – Pythagoras

25. “Salt is born of the purest parents: the sun and the sea.” – Pythagoras

26. “Geometry is knowledge of the eternally existent.” – Pythagoras

27. “Wisdom, thoroughly learned, will never be forgotten.” – Pythagoras

28. “Thought is an Idea in transit, which when once released, never can be lured back, nor the spoken word recalled.” – Pythagoras

29. “There is a good principle which created order, light, and man, and an evil principle which created chaos, darkness, and woman.” – Pythagoras

30. “Music is the harmonization of opposites; the conciliation of warring elements.” – Pythagoras

31. “Lust weakens both body and mind.” – Pythagoras

32. “There is no word or action but has its echo in Eternity.” – Pythagoras

33. “The soul of man is divided into three parts, intelligence, reason, and passion. Intelligence and passion are possessed by other animals, but reason by man alone.” – Pythagoras

34. “Truth is so great a perfection, that if God would render himself visible to men, he would choose light for his body and truth for his soul.” – Pythagoras

35. “Numbers have a way of taking a man by the hand and leading him down the path of reason.” – Pythagoras

36. “Animals share with us the privilege of having a soul.” – Pythagoras

37. “Anger begins in folly, and ends in repentance.” – Pythagoras

38. “Do not talk a little on many subjects, but much on a few.” – Pythagoras

39. “It is better wither to be silent, or to say things of more value than silence. Sooner throw a pearl at hazard than an idle or useless word; and do not say a little in many words, but a great deal in a few.” – Pythagoras

40. “Bless us, divine number, who generated gods and men. Number contains the root and source of eternally flowing creation.” – Pythagoras

41. “Don’t disarrange my circles!“ – Pythagoras

42. “Friends are as companions on a journey, who ought to aid each other to persevere in the road to a happier life.” – Pythagoras

43. “The octave formed a circle and gave our noble earth its form.” – Pythagoras

44. “Do not despise anyone: an atom shadowing.” – Pythagoras

45. “Don’t eat your heart.” – Pythagoras

46. “Love that shines from within cannot be darkened by obstacles of the world of consequences!“ – Pythagoras

47. “Envy has been, is, and shall be, the destruction of many. What is there, that Envy hath not defamed, or Malice left undefiled? Truly, no good thing.” – Pythagoras

48. “Don't judge your greatness by your shadow at sunset.” – Pythagoras

49. “Knowledge of the mathematical arts is a great help towards the understanding of the divine order of nature.” – Pythagoras

50. “The universe is one, and all things are interconnected.” – Pythagoras

51. “Drunkenness is an exercise in madness.” – Pythagoras

52. “Temperance is a moderating influence on every pleasure and, if exercised correctly, can be of great benefit in life.” – Pythagoras

53“Beans are the food of the philosophers, for they contain both flesh and blood.” – Pythagoras