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