The core of the civilization that built the temple and statue was Egyptian but,the force guiding it was Pythagorian. Pythagoras' own history is vague and surrounded by speculation since he never wrote down his ideas but second and third-hand accounts describe a man whos theories and ideas are eeriely similar to most of the strange formulation found in the Lost universe.
First, he is famous for the phrase " all things are numbers". He felt that all reality could be reduced to numerical constructs. The Vallenzetti Equation is based on this same idea.
Secondly, his ideas were a strange combination blend of genius and mysticism; of science and madness. For instance, he is generally credited as the father of both philosophy and mathematics. The Pythagorian Theorum is significant because of his proof of an idea already used by the Egyptian (or earlier civilizations, such as Indian or Aryan). He also was a strong proponent of the idea of eternal recurrence and metempsychosis; also important ideas in Lost (eg. the dead 'returning'and communicating with the living, the important role of animals and their behavior(s), and the idea of souls recurring. Diogenes Latertius reported a story stating that, given the choice of whatever he wanted from the gods, he chose the ability to remember everything that he ever experienced. To Pythagoras, rationality ( eg. mathematics) and the mystical (eg. souls, gods, etc.) were part of the same whole of reality and not mutualy exclusive. Lost epitomizes this image of the universe.
Thirdly, Pythagorian society was a very unique construct that was quite unique. His social model included full gender equality and commonly held property. He divided all humans into three general types: those valuing gain, those valuing honor, and those valuing wisdom. These three types form patterns of conflict and cooperation that affect everything. People using a dualistic paradigm to try to explain the actions of the show's chaaracters might see more "sense" in them by using this triadic paradigm; not good vs. evil but individual differences creating a very complex tapestry. Also, for all of the emphasis on egalitarianism, the importance of the power and authority of the leader was central and indisputible. This athority was inititaly given to Pythagoris himself ('The Master said so') but after his death, much consideration was given to his 'successor' who, given his doctrine of eternal recurrence, could have been anyone, or even any animal, and therefore, leadershi! p succession was not doubt a very complicated, consuming, and, to an outside observer, bizarre process.
Next, is the fact that ,as the son of a merchant, he traveled extensively throught the known world, at that tim (circa 569 -475 BC). He was taught by the Chaldeans and other civilization. But his association with the Egyptians is most important to Lost. He spent time in Egypt and tried to gain admission to many temples which he was denied. Finally, he was admitted into a temple in Diospolis and became a priest. After that, he travel and developed not only is unique social model but also a cult-like following. Based upon his tripartite model of humanity ( described above), he created a central division in his society. It was divided into the mathematikoi (learners)and the akousmatics (listeners). The mathematikoi was his inner circle; they recieved personal guidance and instruction from Pythagoras himself. The akousmatics were thr outer circle. At some point, confilcts arose between the two groups. One source of the schism was the belief of the akousmatics that Pythagora! s' inner circle (the mathematikoi) had been usurped by a renagade ,Hippasus. This idea was fostered by the fact that Pythagoras only had contact with the mathematikoi. No one, outside of this small group, ever saw or spoke to him.
Also the number 5, was particularlly important to the Pythagorians. They drew a unique pentagram, called the Pentemychos -the five chambers.
Finally, the fate of Pythagorias or his group is not certain. His death is assumed and his society is assumed to have fallen apart after his death.
I know that many of people reading this think I am way off track. But many others see the obvious connections. I will put some meat on the bones, as it were, tomorrow. Right now, I need to get some sleep. Until I can get back here... Theory by psychman55
First, he is famous for the phrase " all things are numbers". He felt that all reality could be reduced to numerical constructs. The Vallenzetti Equation is based on this same idea.
Secondly, his ideas were a strange combination blend of genius and mysticism; of science and madness. For instance, he is generally credited as the father of both philosophy and mathematics. The Pythagorian Theorum is significant because of his proof of an idea already used by the Egyptian (or earlier civilizations, such as Indian or Aryan). He also was a strong proponent of the idea of eternal recurrence and metempsychosis; also important ideas in Lost (eg. the dead 'returning'and communicating with the living, the important role of animals and their behavior(s), and the idea of souls recurring. Diogenes Latertius reported a story stating that, given the choice of whatever he wanted from the gods, he chose the ability to remember everything that he ever experienced. To Pythagoras, rationality ( eg. mathematics) and the mystical (eg. souls, gods, etc.) were part of the same whole of reality and not mutualy exclusive. Lost epitomizes this image of the universe.
Thirdly, Pythagorian society was a very unique construct that was quite unique. His social model included full gender equality and commonly held property. He divided all humans into three general types: those valuing gain, those valuing honor, and those valuing wisdom. These three types form patterns of conflict and cooperation that affect everything. People using a dualistic paradigm to try to explain the actions of the show's chaaracters might see more "sense" in them by using this triadic paradigm; not good vs. evil but individual differences creating a very complex tapestry. Also, for all of the emphasis on egalitarianism, the importance of the power and authority of the leader was central and indisputible. This athority was inititaly given to Pythagoris himself ('The Master said so') but after his death, much consideration was given to his 'successor' who, given his doctrine of eternal recurrence, could have been anyone, or even any animal, and therefore, leadershi! p succession was not doubt a very complicated, consuming, and, to an outside observer, bizarre process.
Next, is the fact that ,as the son of a merchant, he traveled extensively throught the known world, at that tim (circa 569 -475 BC). He was taught by the Chaldeans and other civilization. But his association with the Egyptians is most important to Lost. He spent time in Egypt and tried to gain admission to many temples which he was denied. Finally, he was admitted into a temple in Diospolis and became a priest. After that, he travel and developed not only is unique social model but also a cult-like following. Based upon his tripartite model of humanity ( described above), he created a central division in his society. It was divided into the mathematikoi (learners)and the akousmatics (listeners). The mathematikoi was his inner circle; they recieved personal guidance and instruction from Pythagoras himself. The akousmatics were thr outer circle. At some point, confilcts arose between the two groups. One source of the schism was the belief of the akousmatics that Pythagora! s' inner circle (the mathematikoi) had been usurped by a renagade ,Hippasus. This idea was fostered by the fact that Pythagoras only had contact with the mathematikoi. No one, outside of this small group, ever saw or spoke to him.
Also the number 5, was particularlly important to the Pythagorians. They drew a unique pentagram, called the Pentemychos -the five chambers.
Finally, the fate of Pythagorias or his group is not certain. His death is assumed and his society is assumed to have fallen apart after his death.
I know that many of people reading this think I am way off track. But many others see the obvious connections. I will put some meat on the bones, as it were, tomorrow. Right now, I need to get some sleep. Until I can get back here... Theory by psychman55
