IAMBLICHUS of Syrian Chalcis's LIFE OF PYTHAGORAS

CHAPTER I

IMPORTANCE OF THE SUBJECT

Since wise people are in the habit of invoking the divinities at the beginning of any philosophical consideration, this is all the more necessary on studying that one which is justly named after the divine Pythagoras. Inasmuch as it emanated from the divinities, it could not be apprehended without their inspiration and assistance. Besides, its beauty and majesty so surpass human capacity that it cannot be comprehended in one glance. Only gradually can some details of it be mastered when, under divine guidance, we approach the subject with a quiet mind. Having therefore invoked the divine guidance and adapted ourselves and our style to the divine circumstances, we shall acquiesce in all the suggestions that come to us. Therefore, we shall not begin with any excuses for the long neglect of this sect, nor by any explanations about its having been concealed by foreign disciplines or mystic symbols, nor insist that it has been obscured by false and spurious writings, nor make apologies for any special hindrances to its progress. For us it is sufficient that this is the will of the Gods, which will enable us to undertake tasks even more arduous than these. Having thus acknowledged our primary submission to the divinities, our secondary devotion shall be to the prince and father of this philosophy as a leader. We shall, however, have to begin by a study of his descent and nationality.