If you struggled in geometry,
you may not like the name Pythagoras. However, he is an interesting fellow. Now
it is hard to separate the myths from the facts when it comes to the ancient
Greek philosopher, but his influence, not only in math, but in science, music,
ethics, and religion are remarkable.
Yet the oddest tale
about him may be in his death. As one legend goes, a group of slighted individuals
worried Pythagoras might become a tyranny set his residence afire to kill him.
He was able to flee but was caught by the pursuers when he refused to cross a
bean field.
You see Pythagoras really hated beans.
He had lots of
reasons. He didn’t like their shape. He didn’t like what they did to his
stomach. He said they caused one to have bad dreams. He didn’t like they were
used by the oligarchy in voting. So, he forbade his followers from eating them.
And when it meant his death, he refused to cross a field of them.
I guess it is sort of noble accept death
rather than violate your principles but when the principle is so silly, well it
makes your actions seem rather foolish.
Ever hear the
question, “Is this a hill you are willing to die on?”. The purpose of the
question is for us to examine if the fight we are about to take on is worth it.
Some things are worth giving up all for. Some things are not.
And we need to know
the difference.
Matters of opinion
are not worth dying over. Matters of truth are worth standing for. Make sure
the principle you are standing for is really worth a hill of beans.
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