The Golden Verses of Pythagoras

The Golden Verses of Pythagoras

[The precepts of the Pythagorean way, in verse.]

First honor the immortal gods, as the law appoints,

and reverence your oath; then the noble heroes,

and the spirits beneath the earth — render them their due.

Honor your parents and your near kindred.

Of others, make him your friend who is best in virtue;

yield to gentle words and to deeds that profit,

and do not hate your friend for a small fault, while you are able.

Power dwells near to need.

Know that these things are so; and accustom yourself to master

first your belly, then sleep, lust, and anger.

Do nothing shameful, with another or alone;

and above all, reverence yourself.

Practice justice in word and deed;

and let not yourself be heedless in anything.

Know that all men are doomed to die;

and that wealth is now gained, now lost.

Whatever sorrows the gods send to mortals,

bear your lot with patience, and do not resent it;

but heal what you can. Consider: to good men

fate gives few such sorrows.

Let no one deceive you by word or deed

to do or say what is not best for you.

Take counsel before you act, lest folly follow;

to act without thought is the part of a wretched man.

But do nothing that you do not understand; first learn what must be learned,

and then your life will be sweet.

Never let sleep come upon your eyes

until you have gone over each deed of the day:

Where did I go wrong? What did I do? What duty did I leave undone?

Beginning from the first, go through them all;

and if you have done wrong, reproach yourself; if well, rejoice.

Labor at these things; practice them; love them;

and they will set you on the path of godlike virtue.