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Pythagorean Harmony in Life

Pythagoras believed that the universe was mathematical in nature and that understanding its harmony through numbers was key to living virtuously. He taught that by studying the order of the universe reflected in mathematics, one could achieve an inner harmony and be liberated from ignorance. In the seminary, the author finds parallels to Pythagorean philosophy - that the formation and rules provide order and guidance to live harmoniously, helping seminarians on their path of purification. Appreciating and following the common standard of formation ensures one is guided in the right way and in a state of loving their vocation.

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259 views2 pages

Pythagorean Harmony in Life

Pythagoras believed that the universe was mathematical in nature and that understanding its harmony through numbers was key to living virtuously. He taught that by studying the order of the universe reflected in mathematics, one could achieve an inner harmony and be liberated from ignorance. In the seminary, the author finds parallels to Pythagorean philosophy - that the formation and rules provide order and guidance to live harmoniously, helping seminarians on their path of purification. Appreciating and following the common standard of formation ensures one is guided in the right way and in a state of loving their vocation.

Uploaded by

Bayoyoy Naragas
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Adrian Rufo P.

Naragas July 18, 2016


Ancient Philosophy Rev. Fr. Jenor Luis

Harmony in Numbers

The “right way of life” required harmony with the universe, and this implied the need to

understand it. This statement was written in the Pre-Socratic philosophy of Pythagoras. And of

that it raises question about what is the right way of life? What is in the universe that we must

understand? And how can we achieve harmony by understanding the universe?

For Pythagoras, “the right way of life” was to be harmonized with the universe by

understanding it and practicing its reality in order to have order and unity with the cosmos. But

most importantly, obtaining philosophical wisdom through intellectual process was his main

teaching, by following “right way of life” the man becomes pure and will be saved from the

cycle of birth and rebirth. He must have harmony in his soul so that he will be liberated and free

from the prison of ignorance and impureness.

The Pythagoreans—disciples of Pythagoras—were taught that the universe was

mathematical in nature, that all of the things in the universe have numbers in it. We can

understand the reality of the universe through mathematical points because for him points

produce lines, conjunction of lines create plane figures and multiple plane figures form solids.

And because of numbers there is order and unity in our universe. Therefore, by studying the

harmony of the universe our soul will become like that order and we will achieve an inner

harmony.

This was Pythagoras’ main idea in his philosophy. Because of his teachings many people

were inspired to follow and idolize his works. His philosophy made it possible for everyone to
see his works with respect. Even today, many still follow his teaching not in a religious sense but

in a societal unity and orderliness. Pythagoras’ philosophy was the first philosophy concerning

about individual ethical concern, that is why many people are fond of studying his philosophy for

it can give help in our life. I—also—am fond on studying his philosophy for it catches my

interests. I found his philosophy useful and important not only in our studies but also in our lives.

In the seminary, I found Pythagoras’ philosophy very relatable especially in our

formation. As I reflect on his philosophy, the universe was like the seminary and the

mathematical harmony of it was the formation or the rules in the seminary. There is a standard to

everything from which the seminarians will follow in order to have harmony in the seminary. By

understanding the formation means that we are liberated and we now find the truth. By following

what is the right way of living here in the seminary means that we are for harmony with the

formation. If we just follow what the seminary wills us to do we will have a healthy relationship

with the priest and with our co-seminarians. If we only appreciate the formation in the seminary,

we will be guided in order to be purified and to become better person someday.

By following what the common standard says surely I will be guided to the right way of

living. As what many seminarians says, “Loving the formation is loving your vocation”, thus I

am now in the state of loving my vocation so that I can say that there is really harmony in

numbers.

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