Pythagoras is one of the most enigmatic figures in history, often celebrated as a pioneering mathematician and metaphysical philosopher. Born on the island of Samos around 570 BC, he later founded a school in Croton, in southern Italy, which emphasized both religious rites and philosophical teachings. His influence permeated various fields such as mathematics, music, and astronomy, but perhaps the most intriguing aspects of his legacy are his metaphysical concepts.
Pythagoras's metaphysical teachings revolved around the idea that numbers are the fundamental reality of the universe. This belief extended into the concept that the harmony of the cosmos is reflected in numerical ratios, evident in music, astronomy, and the structure of the soul. This led to the development of the doctrine of the transmigration of souls (metempsychosis), where he posited that souls are immortal and move among bodies through successive reincarnations based on their karmic accumulation.
Historical Context and Background
Pythagoras's historical context is rooted in the intellectual and cultural milieu of 6th century BC Greece, a period of intense philosophical inquiry and exploration. His travels to Egypt and possibly Babylon are said to have influenced his teachings, which synthesized elements of Eastern mysticism with Greek philosophical inquiry.
Despite his significant impact, the historical Pythagoras remains shrouded in mystery. Most of what is known about him comes from texts written centuries after his life, the earliest of which appear around 800 years later. This gap has led some scholars to question the historical reality of Pythagoras, considering him possibly a semi-legendary figure or a symbolic representation of a group of thinkers sharing a common set of beliefs. Authors such as Diogenes Laertius, Porphyry, and Iamblichus, among others, provide our primary accounts, but their works often mix historical facts with myths and legends, complicating efforts to discern the true nature of his teachings and life.
Renowned for his contributions to mathematics, Pythagoras also established a philosophical and religious community that embraced several principles considered radical at the time, particularly communal living and shared possessions. This approach to life led to significant tension with established societal norms, especially among the elite in Croton, where Pythagoras had settled. One notable antagonist was Cylon, a local noble who found the Pythagorean lifestyle subversive to the traditional values of personal wealth and status. More on that, later…
The communal lifestyle of the Pythagoreans can be likened to an early form of communism, where individual possessions and personal luxuries were forsaken for the collective good. This community held that everything should be shared, including food, belongings, and even intellectual pursuits, which was in stark contrast to the prevailing societal norms that valued individual success and property ownership. The Pythagorean emphasis on collective living aimed to create a harmonious society based on equality and mutual respect, but it also inadvertently challenged the power and influence of the local aristocracy, including figures like Cylon.
Cylon
Cylon of Croton is a somewhat obscure figure in ancient Greek history, primarily known for his opposition to Pythagoras and his followers. Unlike Pythagoras, whose life and teachings are somewhat documented albeit centuries after his time, much less is known about Cylon and most of what exists is intertwined with the story of Pythagoras.
Background and Historical Context
Cylon was a nobleman from Croton. Croton was known for its intellectual and athletic achievements, and it was a significant center of Pythagorean activity. As a member of the local aristocracy, Cylon would have held considerable influence and power within the city-state.
The primary source of information about Cylon's conflict with Pythagoras comes from later historical accounts, notably those of Diogenes Laertius and others, who wrote about the events centuries after they occurred. According to these accounts, Cylon became a follower of Pythagoras but eventually turned against him. The reasons for this fallout are not entirely clear, but it is suggested that Cylon's temperament was not in tune with the ascetic and communal lifestyle promoted by Pythagoras. Other accounts suggest that Cylon was rejected by Pythagoras for his inability to adopt the Pythagorean way of life fully, leading to resentment.
Cylon's opposition to Pythagoras and his followers was likely driven by the threat they posed to his social and political status. By promoting a society where individual wealth and power were de-emphasized, Pythagoras could be seen as undermining the very foundations of traditional governance and social hierarchy. This tension led to allegations against Pythagoras and his community, accusing them of subverting freedom and personal autonomy—claims similar to modern criticisms of communist systems.
In contemporary discussions, communism is often criticized for its potential to limit individual freedoms through its emphasis on collectivism. Critics argue that by prioritizing the community over the individual, communism can suppress personal expression, choice, and economic freedom. These criticisms echo the ancient grievances that figures like Cylon might have had against Pythagorean communal practices.
Cylon's animosity towards Pythagoras eventually led to an uprising against the Pythagoreans in Croton. This conflict resulted in the burning of the Pythagorean meeting places, and possibly the death of Pythagoras himself, although details of his death vary. The uprising effectively marked the decline of Pythagorean influence in Croton, showcasing the tensions between the old aristocratic values and the new philosophical and communal ideals introduced by Pythagoras.
Cylon's legacy, much like his historical footprint, is largely negative, depicted as a figure whose actions led to the suppression of a philosophical movement that challenged the traditional socio-political structure. His story is often used to illustrate the resistance faced by radical ideas in conservative societies. He remains a figure emblematic of the resistance against philosophical and cultural change, his historical presence serving as a counterpoint to the transformative aspirations of Pythagoreanism in ancient Greek society.
The story of Pythagoras and Cylon not only highlights a significant historical conflict but also serves as a lens through which to view ongoing debates about the balance between communal welfare and individual liberty. This narrative underscores how philosophical and political ideologies can incite substantial societal and political reactions, both in ancient times and today.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/history-of-pythagoreanism/A8D4A4D8F103C30A769EC3FBE6DB0DBE