Begin thus from the first act, and proceed; and, in conclusion, at the ill which thou hast done, be troubled, and rejoice for the good.
Meaning of the quote
This quote by the Greek mathematician Pythagoras means that you should start something new with a good first step, and keep going. When you finish, think about the bad things you did, and feel sorry about them. But also be happy about the good things you accomplished.
About Pythagoras
Pythagoras of Samos was an ancient Greek philosopher and the founder of Pythagoreanism. He made numerous contributions to mathematics, science, and philosophy, though the extent of his personal involvement in some of these discoveries is debated. Pythagoras’s teachings, including the transmigration of souls and the idea of musica universalis, had a significant impact on later philosophers and scientists.
More quotes from Pythagoras
Above the cloud with its shadow is the star with its light. Above all things reverence thyself.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
Do not talk a little on many subjects, but much on a few.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
There is nothing so easy but that it becomes difficult when you do it reluctantly.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
Above all things, reverence yourself.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
In this theater of man’s life, it is reserved only for God and angels to be lookers-on.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
As long as man continues to be the ruthless destroyer of lower living beings he will never know health or peace. For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
Strength of mind rests in sobriety; for this keeps your reason unclouded by passion.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
Do not say a little in many words but a great deal in a few.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
No one is free who has not obtained the empire of himself.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
Reason is immortal, all else mortal.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
Concern should drive us into action and not into a depression. No man is free who cannot control himself.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
The oldest, shortest words – “yes” and “no” – are those which require the most thought.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
Begin thus from the first act, and proceed; and, in conclusion, at the ill which thou hast done, be troubled, and rejoice for the good.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
Virtue is harmony.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
As soon as laws are necessary for men, they are no longer fit for freedom.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
There is a good principle which created order, light, and man, and an evil principle which created chaos, darkness, and woman.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
Rest satisfied with doing well, and leave others to talk of you as they will.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
The most momentous thing in human life is the art of winning the soul to good or evil.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
A thought is an idea in transit.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
Silence is better than unmeaning words.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
It is better wither to be silent, or to say things of more value than silence. Sooner throw a pearl at hazard than an idle or useless word; and do not say a little in many words, but a great deal in a few.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
Choose rather to be strong of soul than strong of body.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
Friends are as companions on a journey, who ought to aid each other to persevere in the road to a happier life.
Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)