Divine Harmony: The Life and Teachings of Pythagoras (Hardcover)

by John Strohmeier (Author), Peter Westbrook (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Pythagoras was more than a mathematician and philosopher in sixth-century B.C. Greece. He was also a scientist, mystic, and social reformer who, like many such figures before and after him, was killed for his convictions. This is the story of both a man and a moment when the world's wisdom began to converge into what is known as perennial philosophy. Pythagoras, communicating with priests and sages from Persia to Ireland, was perhaps the key figure in this process.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 159 pages
• Publisher: Berkeley Hills Books (November 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965377458
• ISBN-13: 978-0965377454
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,005,338 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most mysterious of ancient philosophers, June 21, 2001

By	C. Middleton (Australia) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Considered by many to be the first important Western teacher of wisdom, exalted by such luminaries as Socrates and Plato, the stories that have come down to us about Pythagoras and his teachings continue to resonate and have value in our modern world. This precious little book (159 pages) is written simply, introducing the life and teachings of one of the most mysterious of ancient philosophers.

The book is organized brilliantly; touching on all aspects of the life of Pythagoras and his teachings, ranging from knowledge and friendship, mathematics, music, care of the self and magic and miracles. Particular attention is devoted to the Pythagorian community and the followers of his teachings during his relatively long stay on the planet, (he nearly reached the age of one hundred) until his enforced death by his enemies through starvation, while taking asylum in the temple of the Muses.

At the end of the book is written The Golden Verses, a poetic guideline or introduction to the Pythagorean way of life. In a word, this is an ancient 'self-help' treatise that should be posted on one's shaving mirror, and attempted to be practiced everyday. If you do anything at all, read these ancient verses, as they are inspiring and valuable to living. As the authors state about them: "That they are hard to date with accuracy attests to the fact that they convey timeless truths."

As a starting point to the study of philosophy or just mere curiousity about the source of the famous Pythagorean Theorem, Divine Harmony is a valuable book to read and own.

This book is recommended highly.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most mysterious of ancient philosophers, June 21, 2001

By	C. Middleton (Australia) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Considered by many to be the first important Western teacher of wisdom, exalted by such luminaries as Socrates and Plato, the stories that have come down to us about Pythagoras and his teachings continue to resonate and have value in our modern world. This precious little book (159 pages) is written simply, introducing the life and teachings of one of the most mysterious of ancient philosophers.

The book is organized brilliantly; touching on all aspects of the life of Pythagoras and his teachings, ranging from knowledge and friendship, mathematics, music, care of the self and magic and miracles. Particular attention is devoted to the Pythagorian community and the followers of his teachings during his relatively long stay on the planet, (he nearly reached the age of one hundred) until his enforced death by his enemies through starvation, while taking asylum in the temple of the Muses.

At the end of the book is written The Golden Verses, a poetic guideline or introduction to the Pythagorean way of life. In a word, this is an ancient 'self-help' treatise that should be posted on one's shaving mirror, and attempted to be practiced everyday. If you do anything at all, read these ancient verses, as they are inspiring and valuable to living. As the authors state about them: "That they are hard to date with accuracy attests to the fact that they convey timeless truths."

As a starting point to the study of philosophy or just mere curiousity about the source of the famous Pythagorean Theorem, Divine Harmony is a valuable book to read and own.

This book is recommended highly.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The cover was so beautiful, people ask about this book all the time, December 19, 2005

By	James N. Holland (Heredia, Costa Rica) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Dear reader, first of all, there is not much information on these philosophers, so don't expect the kind of indepth information you can get on someone today. Have you ever tried to find information on Pythagoras? This book will help and does the job to get an adequate picture of this man of the ancient world. Easy to read and understand. It still sticks in my head that Pythagoras had practically a phobia of beans? Wow. Who would have guessed.