Mathematician. Philosopher. World traveler. Pythagoras was an intellgient and curious scholar and teacher. While he’s best known for the Pythagorrean theorem, he shared ideas about numbers, animals and many other areas of knwoledge with his students. Since none of his writingers were left behind, it’s not always easy for historians to know what’s true about Pythagoras and what may be legendary. What does seem apparent is that he was a vegetarian but not a trendy dresser. Some people saw him as godlike. Others felt he made false claims about things. No matter what, Pythagoras’s curiosity and willinngness to grapplw with complex issues have helped further the knowledge of mathemativs and philosophy for thousands of years.

No one who has ever lived has contributed more to the progress of mankind than Pythagoras. Without question the wisest man who ever lived, he was the first Greek to be called by the name of philosopher.

One of the most important mathematical theorems is named after Pythagoras of Samos, but this semi-mythical Greek sage has more to offer than formulas. He is said to have discovered the numerical nature of the basic consonances and transposed the musical proportions to the cosmos, postulating a "harmony of the spheres." He may have coined the words "cosmos" and "philosophy." He is also believed to have taught the doctrine of transmigration of souls and therefore to have advised a vegetarian diet. Ancient legends have Pythagoras conversing with dogs, bears, and bulls. A distinctly Pythagorean way of life, including detailed ritual regulations, was observed by his disciples, who were organized as a secret society. Later, Pythagorean and Platonic teachings became fused. In this Platonized form, Pythagoreanism has remained influential through medieval Christianity and the Renaissance down to the present. Christoph Riedweg's book is an engaging introduction to the fundamental contributions of Pythagoras to the establishment of European culture. To penetrate the intricate maze of lore and ascertain what history can tell us about the philosopher, Riedweg not only examines the written record but also considers Pythagoras within the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual context of his times. The result is a vivid overview of the life and teachings of a crucial Greek thinker and his most important followers.

In this follow-up to his popular Science Secrets, Alberto A. Martinez discusses various popular myths from the history of mathematics: that Pythagoras proved the hypotenuse theorem, that Archimedes figured out how to test the purity of a gold crown while he was in a bathtub, that the Golden Ratio is in nature and ancient architecture, that the young Galois created group theory the night before the pistol duel that killed him, and more. Some stories are partly true, others are entirely false, but all show the power of invention in history. Pythagoras emerges as a symbol of the urge to conjecture and "fill in the gaps" of history. He has been credited with fundamental discoveries in mathematics and the sciences, yet there is nearly no evidence that he really contributed anything to such fields at all. This book asks: how does history change when we subtract the many small exaggerations and interpolations that writers have added for over two thousand years? The Cult of Pythagoras is also about invention in a positive sense. Most people view mathematical breakthroughs as "discoveries" rather than invention or creativity, believing that mathematics describes a realm of eternal ideas. But mathematicians have disagreed about what is possible and impossible, about what counts as a proof, and even about the results of certain operations. Was there ever invention in the history of concepts such as zero, negative numbers, imaginary numbers, quaternions, infinity, and infinitesimals? Martinez inspects a wealth of primary sources, in several languages, over a span of many centuries. By exploring disagreements and ambiguities in the history of the elements of mathematics, The Cult of Pythagoras dispels myths that obscure the actual origins of mathematical concepts. Martinez argues that an accurate history that analyzes myths reveals neglected aspects of mathematics that can encourage creativity in students and mathematicians.

FINALLY IN ENGLISH: THE THRILLER THAT WAS THE BEST-SELLING EBOOK IN SPANISH IN THE WORLD IN 2013 In 2012, Killing Pythagoras was selected as a Finalist for the Planeta Prize, the most valuable literary award in the world after the Nobel Prize for Literature (e601,000/$800,000) In May of 2013, one month after being published on Amazon, it became the bestselling ebook in Spanish in the world, holding the #1 spot for eleven consecutive months In June of 2013, after offers from publishing houses in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, Mauri Spagnol, the 2nd largest editorial group in Italy, was awarded publishing rights In October of 2013, Killing Pythagoras appeared in print form in Spain, becoming an immediate bestseller. It is currently being translated into numerous languages, and in 2014 will be published in a dozen countries Killing Pythagoras is a thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from the prologue to the final page. Based on real historical events, the novel is an extraordinary combination of intrigue, emotion, and action. Synopsis: The venerable philosopher Pythagoras, one of the most powerful political figures of his time, is preparing to name a successor from among his grand masters when a string of murders rocks the Pythagorean community. The killings, each more baffling and unpredictable than the last, gradually unveil the workings of a dark and powerful mind, more formidable than that of Pythagoras himself. Egyptian investigator Akenon and the enigmatic Ariadne work to identify the murderer while at the same time coming to terms with their own tumultuous relationship. The challenge they face is one in which the ghosts of the past are interwoven with the sinister threats of the present: a challenge from which it seems impossible they will escape alive. Killing Pythagoras, based on real-life historical events, will plunge readers into an apparently unsolvable mystery. Readers will unearth cryptic clues and come face to face with some of the most unnerving characters ever to appear in the pages of fiction: Glaucus the Sybarite, the gruesome Boreas, the vengeful Cylon, and above all, the mysterious stranger who wields his prodigious capabilities to sow death. Media "Crime, mystery, and romance in a fast-paced action novel" HISTORIA NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC "Maximum excitement and fun; [the author] achieves a compelling mix of strong elements" ONDA CERO RADIO "A fast-paced historical thriller that transports us to the cradle of civilization among intrigues and passion" LA VANGUARDIA "An edge-of-your-seat narrative driven by suspenseful action, it succeeds in creating a tense atmosphere in the face of the deadly threat that attempts to destroy the main characters" QUÉ LEER Literature Blogs "A supremely interesting novel that surprised and hooked me, by an author who expertly juggles the tension and suspense up to the last second. Highly recommended" LEER ES VIAJAR "...it has all the ingredients necessary in a book to hook you: crime, mystery, love, action... I loved it. I didn't know there was a sequel and I'm very happy to hear there is! I can't wait to read it" MARIÁNLEEMÁSLIBROS "The meticulous detail with which the era is recreated gives the novel incredible realism... While the novel is fast-moving from the beginning, the pace accelerates even more toward the end, creating an action-packed finish" ADIVINA QUIÉN LEE "The novel hooks you from the first page to the last. The plot is so intricately woven it's hard to put down once you begin" AL RICO LIBRO About the Author In 2009, the life of writer Marcos Chicot changed radically. The result of that change was Killing Pythagoras. You can learn more about the story behind the novel on Marcos Chicot's author page.

The path of a wounded healer is determined before birth by our higher selves, guides, angels, and the karmic board. It’s the highest honor and privilege a human can endure in one lifetime. This journey is only summoned for advanced old souls and those strong enough in their spiritual directive to hold the immense energy needed to complete their mission. One must undergo the dark night of the soul which triggers the awakening process. When we evolve through our challenges, we have the power to free hundreds of thousands of people taken hostage by their own shadows, heal generational wounds, clear future legacies for our children, and heal our own karmic debts. Author Sara Bachmeier has personally experienced this process, and she shares her story in The Path of a Wounded Healer. A sequel to her first book, Egyptian Numerology, this new book describes in greater detail the challenges, blessings, lessons, and teachings that all wounded healers are prone to endure and must learn to integrate while traveling on their intended path, purpose, and destiny in this incarnation. In The Path of a Wounded Healer, she helps people understand nothing is random, and everything has purpose and reason. Once you understand the value of your soul-life agreement, you can find peace and determination strong enough to go beyond human limitations and conditions to heal some of life’s most difficult challenges and to help others as they trudge the road on their destined path.

It is entertaining to be antiaEUR"Masonic and perpetuate conspiracy theories and stories based on satanic worship rather than join Freemasonry or any other private organization primarily structured with improving the individual in society. The Masonic term "making good men better" is the desire of the craft concerning all people living in a multicultural society to better themselves. This is masonry in a nutshell. To achieve this betterment takes a great deal of work and selfaEUR"introspection, which the critics of the craft refuse to endure and fail to examine the important historical esoteric symbols associated with the craft. This book is dedicated toward neutralizing such superficial negative ideology pursued by critics who have a personal interest in negating the significant works of the greatest fraternal organization in the world. Contained herein are chapters on women in Freemasonry, the Catholic Church, and Freemasonry (which contains an addendum relating to over one hundred cardinals and bishops who, under pseudonyms, were Freemasons), a chapter on the 133rd Psalm (providing a lineaEUR"byaEUR"line interpretation of a work which provides the important ideological, humanistic basis for both society and Freemasonry) with an important chapter analyzing the final endaEUR"period of a man's life as it related to Ecclesiastes Chapter 12. Men join Freemasonry because in their hearts, they seek to improve themselves. In a reality, any can start living as principled individuals, exercising the same values without being a Freemason. All that is required is desire and work effort, with a foundation from the Holy Bible to betterment of himself. However, the Masonic Craft assists an individual in this journey by providing defined structure, support, and a roadmap that helps focus the advancement and, as such, increases the probability of a successful outcome. Freemasonry centers on learning how to charge one's self with thought and physical conduct. However, in order to improve, one must read, study, and understand the true nature of reality in life, buttressed by the role of oneself and those with which one socializes. This philosophy underlines why the most important virtues of Freemasonry are symbolic and teach us to be better humans. Freemasonry gains its structure and foundation through an inherent love of an adherence to the Holy Bible and would not exist without that devotion. The foundation of Masonry is predicated on the fact that the craft and the Bible are intricately interconnected, just as other holy books around the world are central to their Freemason organizations. Much of Masonry's symbolism is taken from biblical sources, especially Genesis and the stories surrounding the building of King Solomon's temples. Great emphasis is placed on the development of moral and ethical virtues and the building of character, with truth being the guiding principle of our lives. Thus, brotherhood and charity are natural outcomes and further define one of Masonry's major tenets. Masonry uses proven methods to enhance the lives and spirits of members in a tangible way. In every Masonic lodge, upon its altar, there is a Holy Bible supporting the square and compasses. This old familiar book, so beloved by so many generations, is our Volume of the Sacred Law and represents the Great Light in Freemasonry. The Bible is open when the lodge opens; the Bible is closed when the lodge closes. No lodge can transact its own business, much less initiate candidates into the mysteries of the craft, unless the Book of Holy Law lies open upon its altar. It is the true responsibility of each individual Mason to seek out and understand the true nature of reality through the teachings of Freemasonry discovered in the symbols of the craft. The individual must learn to recognize and interpret the footprints of the deity and the sublime methods that he uses to reveal his message. So mote it be. May the mystery begin