Pythagoras of Samos (c. 570-490 BC) - ancient Greek philosopher, mathematician and mystic. It was he who was the first of the ancient thinkers to call himself a philosopher - a lover of wisdom, before other ancient sages could share this honorary title. His life is covered in legends associated with travels to Babylon and Egypt, where Pythagoras, according to legend, studied medicine, mathematics and the eastern mysteries. He is considered the founder of the religious and philosophical school, whose followers later called themselves Pythagoreans in honor of the teacher. Two key concepts of Pythagoras’ philosophy are the doctrine of the rebirth of souls (metempsychosis) and the doctrine of the musical and mathematical structure of the world (harmony of the spheres). The Pythagoreans were part of a “secret society” in which this secret philosophical knowledge was transmitted. Pythagoras and his disciples did not leave behind written works, but we have evidence from later ancient authors quoting the instructions of the main moral teacher of the Hellenes. This edition includes aphorisms and sayings attributed to Pythagoras. All texts are provided with comments and explanations by Alexander Markov, professor of the Russian State University for the Humanities and VlSU.