Many individuals who turn to philosophy to seek a more meaningful life may not fully grasp the significance of asceticism within Pythagoras’s philosophical teachings. Understanding this concept is crucial, as it deeply influences how we can apply his philosophy in our efforts to live with greater purpose. This article examines Pythagoras’s philosophy, the concept of asceticism, and their importance in the philosophical quest for a more meaningful existence.
Key features of Pythagoras’s philosophy
Pythagoras, a famous ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician, is best known for his contributions to mathematics and his philosophical teachings. He believed in the interconnectedness of numbers and the universe, emphasizing that numerical relationships were the foundation of reality. This idea extended to his famous Pythagorean theorem, which relates the sides of a right triangle, symbolizing the harmony and order he saw in mathematics.
Beyond mathematics, Pythagoras focused on the concept of harmony in life and the cosmos. He believed that everything in the universe was interconnected, and he applied this sense of balance to music, proposing that musical notes could be explained through mathematical ratios. Pythagoras also founded a philosophical and religious community that adhered to strict ethical and dietary practices, advocating for self-discipline and a simple lifestyle to achieve spiritual growth.
Another key part of his philosophy was his belief in the immortality of the soul and reincarnation. He taught that the soul undergoes cycles of rebirth, striving for purification and unity with the divine. Overall, Pythagoras’s teachings combined science, spirituality, and discipline, influencing fields like mathematics, philosophy, and music for centuries to follow.
What is asceticism?
Pythagoras, an ancient Greek philosopher, strongly emphasized the practice of asceticism in his teachings. He believed that self-discipline and the control of one’s desires were essential for achieving a higher state of being. For Pythagoras, asceticism was not just about physical restrictions but also about cultivating the intellect and spirit. He thought that restraining indulgences and maintaining a simple, disciplined life allowed individuals to focus on inner growth and the pursuit of wisdom.
According to Pythagoras, such practices helped to purify the soul and bring it closer to the divine. He saw asceticism as a way to achieve harmony, not only within oneself but also with the universe. By mastering one’s impulses and resisting temptations, a person could better align with the natural order and deeper truths of the world.
Pythagoras also believed that asceticism encouraged a balanced life. By minimizing distractions, an individual could devote more time to philosophy, learning, and introspection. This focus on simplicity and discipline reflected his broader philosophy, which valued order, reason, and self-understanding. To Pythagoras, asceticism was not a restriction but a path to greater knowledge and spiritual awakening.
This example highlights this philosophical perspective. Pythagoras’s approach to asceticism can be seen in his emphasis on self-discipline and a simple way of living. For instance, he encouraged his followers to practice restraint in their daily lives by avoiding indulgence in physical pleasures such as rich foods or excessive comforts. He believed that this practice of self-control would lead to a purer state of mind and strengthen the soul. One specific example involved promoting vegetarianism as a means of aligning with a harmonious and disciplined lifestyle. By refraining from consuming meat, his followers could show respect for all living beings and focus on nurturing their inner growth. These teachings aimed to assist individuals in rising above physical desires, promoting a deeper spiritual connection and understanding of the world. Through such practices, Pythagoras demonstrated how ascetic living could foster a balanced and meaningful existence.
Challenges to Pythagoras’s view about asceticism
Some philosophers have rejected Pythagoras’s view about asceticism due to its strict limitations on human desires, pleasures, and engagement with the physical world. They argue that placing such a heavy emphasis on self-denial overlooks the natural and essential aspects of human life. Critics believe that enjoying material comforts or pursuing natural desires is not inherently harmful and can, in fact, contribute to personal growth, happiness, and the flourishing of society. Rejecting these aspects, they claim, may lead to an imbalanced or overly restrictive way of living that diminishes life’s richness and joy.
Another objection is that ascetic practices often rely on an overly simplified view of the human experience. While discipline and self-control can indeed play meaningful roles in life, many philosophers argue that they should not wholly dominate one’s existence. Instead, a balanced approach—one that harmonizes discipline with the appreciation of beauty, creativity, and sensory pleasures—provides a fuller and more meaningful path. By denying these elements, some feel that asceticism unfairly dismisses the potential value of engaging actively and joyfully with the world around us.
Furthermore, some philosophers critique asceticism on ethical or societal grounds. They suggest that an overly inward-focused life of denial can lead to isolation or alienation from others. Philosophers who advocate for connection and contribution to the community might argue that engaging with society and its challenges often requires a willingness to interact with material concerns. A philosophy that turns away from the world in pursuit of a purely spiritual or austere life could, in their opinion, lead to a neglect of moral responsibilities to others.
Lastly, some question whether strict asceticism genuinely leads to enlightenment or fulfillment. Critics argue that rigid practices may foster guilt, stress, or a sense of inadequacy rather than peace or wisdom. They believe it is possible to pursue a meaningful life without adopting extreme self-denial. These philosophers emphasize the importance of diverse approaches to achieving truth, happiness, and self-improvement—ones that are flexible, balanced, and more inclusive of the human experience in all its forms.
Why asceticism is important to Pythagoras’s philosophy
These are some of the main reasons why grasping the concept of asceticism is crucial to comprehending Pythagoras’s philosophy.
- Promotes Discipline and Self-Control
Asceticism emphasizes a lifestyle of self-discipline and control over bodily desires. This practice fosters an intentional way of living, where individuals prioritize mental and spiritual pursuits over fleeting physical pleasures. By restraining from indulgences, practitioners develop a greater capacity for focus and inner clarity. For philosophers like Pythagoras, this focus likely contributed to sharpening the mind for contemplation and the pursuit of higher knowledge. Discipline and self-control are often seen as foundational to accessing deeper truths and understanding complex concepts, as they reduce distractions that might otherwise cloud intellectual and spiritual growth.
- Encourages Simplicity and Focus on the Essential
A key aspect of asceticism is simplicity, which allows individuals to detach themselves from excessive material concerns. This simplicity creates room for one to concentrate on what truly matters in life, whether it be knowledge, wisdom, or spiritual enlightenment. By removing distractions linked to material wealth or luxury, asceticism inspires a pursuit of meaningful experiences and deeper insights. This focus on the essential likely appealed to Pythagoras’s broader philosophical goals, where understanding the nature of the universe required deep thought and minimal interruption from peripheral concerns.
- Cultivates Inner Harmony and Self-Purification
Ascetic practices often aim at achieving inner balance by reducing the influence of external temptations and bodily needs. Through this balance, individuals can purify themselves, creating a clearer path toward self-realization or higher understanding. For philosophers, this inner harmony helps align physical existence with intellectual and spiritual aspirations. The purification process, both of mind and body, is often seen as vital for preparing oneself to engage with profound philosophical or metaphysical ideas, free from the chaos of unbridled desires or distractions.
Contrasting Pythagoras’s philosophy with Epicurus’s philosophy
Pythagoras’s view on asceticism sets his philosophy apart from that of Epicurus in significant ways. Asceticism, for Pythagoras, was a path to achieving spiritual purity and a deep connection with the divine. He believed in a disciplined life, including practices such as abstinence from certain foods, self-control, and simplicity, as a way to elevate the soul and foster harmony with the universe. This approach emphasizes self-denial and the idea that such restraint leads to a higher understanding of existence.
Epicurus, on the other hand, focused on attaining happiness through the pursuit of pleasure, though he defined pleasure as the absence of pain and suffering rather than indulgence. Unlike Pythagoras, Epicurus did not advocate for rigorous self-denial but instead encouraged a life of measured enjoyment, where basic needs are satisfied, and unnecessary desires are avoided. Epicurus believed that fear and anxiety, particularly about death and the gods, were significant barriers to happiness and sought to eliminate them through a rational, materialistic view of the world.
The key difference lies in their perspectives on what leads to a fulfilled life. Pythagoras prioritizes self-discipline and spiritual growth, while Epicurus emphasizes balance and freedom from fear. Both philosophies aim to guide individuals toward a better existence but do so through vastly different paths—one rooted in rigorous discipline and the other in practical, moderated pleasure.
Asceticism, Pythagoras’s philosophy and the philosophy of life
Reflecting on Pythagoras’s view about asceticism can be incredibly valuable as you develop your own philosophy of life. Whether or not you agree with his perspective, taking the time to consider his ideas encourages deeper thought about the choices you make and the values you hold. Asceticism, in essence, challenges us to think about the importance of discipline, self-control, and the pursuit of something greater than immediate pleasures. This reflection goes beyond agreeing or disagreeing—it’s about questioning how you want to live and what brings you genuine fulfillment.
When you think about Pythagoras’s philosophy, it invites you to analyze your own habits and how they shape your life. Do you prioritize short-term gratification, or are you willing to sacrifice comfort for long-term growth or bigger goals? Even if asceticism feels too extreme or restrictive, aspects of it might inspire you to simplify your life, focus, or limit distractions. On the other hand, disagreeing with this approach might lead you to explore a philosophy that balances indulgence with responsibility, helping you articulate your own principles more clearly.
Reflecting on Pythagoras’s concepts is also practical because it gives you a framework for thinking about self-discipline, purpose, and freedom. A life philosophy isn’t something set in stone—it evolves as you face challenges and gain new experiences. Pythagoras’s ideas encourage you to slow down and ask meaningful questions. For example, how much is enough? What are you willing to give up to achieve something meaningful? How does self-restraint or a lack of it influence your character and relationships? These are questions that can help you shape a philosophy that feels authentic and practical for your daily life.
Ultimately, whether you find Pythagoras’s views inspiring or outdated, they serve as a catalyst for introspection. They push you to think beyond surface-level living and consider what truly matters. Developing a philosophy of life means taking ideas like his, reflecting on them, and using them as tools to build a life rooted in clarity, intention, and genuine alignment with your values. The process of engaging with such perspectives helps you understand yourself better, refine your priorities, and move toward a life that feels both meaningful and balanced.
Further reading
Burkert, W. (1985). Lore and Science in Ancient Pythagoreanism. Harvard University Press.
Cornelli, G. (2013). In Search of Pythagoreanism: Pythagoras and the Early Pythagoreans in the Greek Tradition. De Gruyter.
Huffman, C. A. (2005). Archytas of Tarentum: Pythagorean, Philosopher, and Mathematician King. Cambridge University Press.
Huffman, C. A. (Ed.). (2014). A History of Pythagoreanism. Cambridge University Press.
Kirk, G. S., Raven, J. E., & Schofield, M. (1983). The Presocratic Philosophers. Cambridge University Press.
Riedweg, C. (2005). Pythagoras: His Life, Teachings, and Influence. Cornell University Press.
Zhmud, L. (2012). Pythagoras and the Early Pythagoreans. Oxford University Press.