Pythagoras: Doing

Pythagoras was ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher. Explore interesting quotes on doing.
Pythagoras: 242 quotes47 likes

“It is better to suffer, than to do, wrong.”

Pythagoras

The Sayings of the Wise (1555), p. 164

“Many words befall men, mean and noble alike; do not be astonished by them, nor allow yourself to be constrained.”

Pythagoras

As quoted in Divine Harmony: The Life and Teachings of Pythagoras by John Strohmeier and Peter Westbrook. (1999)
The Golden Verses
Context: Many words befall men, mean and noble alike; do not be astonished by them, nor allow yourself to be constrained.
If a lie is told, bear with it gently.
But whatever I tell you, let it be done completely.
Let no one persuade you by word or deed to do or say whatever is not best for you.

“Rest satisfied with doing well, and leave others to talk of you as they please.”

Pythagoras

As quoted in The World's Laconics: Or, The Best Thoughts of the Best Authors (1853) by Everard Berkeley
Variant: Rest satisfied with doing well, and leave others to talk of you as they will.

“Let no one persuade you by word or deed to do or say whatever is not best for you.”

Pythagoras

As quoted in Divine Harmony: The Life and Teachings of Pythagoras by John Strohmeier and Peter Westbrook. (1999)
The Golden Verses
Context: Many words befall men, mean and noble alike; do not be astonished by them, nor allow yourself to be constrained.
If a lie is told, bear with it gently.
But whatever I tell you, let it be done completely.
Let no one persuade you by word or deed to do or say whatever is not best for you.

“Do not even think of doing what ought not to be done.”

Pythagoras

"Pythagorean Ethical Sentences From Stobæus" (1904)
Florilegium

“There is nothing so easy but that it becomes difficult when you do it reluctantly.”

Pythagoras

Terence, in Heauton Timoroumenos [The Self-Tormentor]
Misattributed

“Practice justice in word and deed, and do not get in the habit of acting thoughtlessly about anything.”

Pythagoras

As quoted in Divine Harmony: The Life and Teachings of Pythagoras by John Strohmeier and Peter Westbrook. (1999)
The Golden Verses