EBOOK
About
The present volume is a verbatim reproduction of Thomas Taylor's translation of Iamblichus's "Life of Pythagoras," originally published in 1818. Iamblichus's biography does more than simply outline Pythagoras's life, but also provides many insights into the doctrines he taught, his methods of teaching, and perhaps most importantly, the lifestyle he promoted among his students: a lifestyle as applicable today as ever before. Many sound teachings on justice, non-violence, temperance, forebearance, and other virtues are given herein, along with teachings on lifestyle, community, politics and family life. To aid the reader in seeking out specific doctrines or ideas, we have provided a list of detailed contents for each chapter of the biography. Iamblichus's biography is a text that may be read straight through, or piece by piece, or one selection at a time. Much can be learned from even a basic perusal of the contents of any selected chapter, and many fine quotes on specific topics will be found by using the detailed contents to locate them. In addition to the Life of Pythagoras, Taylor included several other Pythagorean texts in his original publication. We have included these, along with few additional translations which he himself approved as worthy of study.