Pythagoras

Pythagoras of Samos was a Greek philosopher who studied for decades in Egypt and Persia. He was convinced that the most profound element of the universe was not air, water or fire, but the abstract idea of Number. This idea was the foundation of Pythagoreanism, one of the most influential religions in the ancient Greek world.

Pythagoreans sought purification in order to liberate themselves from the cycle of rebirths. This purification was to be attained thru strict social and dietary practices, music, mathematical and geometrical problems and koan-like sayings.

Several scientific discoveries were made by the Pythagorean school. Pythagoras himself discovered the mathematical basis of musical harmonies and the existence of irrational numbers. He also imported the right-triangle theorem and the concepts of reincarnation, ethical vegetarianism and spherical earth to the Greek world.

Pythagoras was very healthy for the whole of his life, living to over a hundred years old. He was also a famous practicer of martial arts when he was young.

Platon's philosophy was heavily influenced by Pythagoreanism. Traces of Pythagoreanism are still quite strong in Western philosophy and mysticism.