Pythagoras: 'No one is free who has not obtained the empire of himself.'

No one is free who has not obtained the empire of himself.

The quote by Pythagoras, "No one is free who has not obtained the empire of himself," holds a profound meaning that resonates through the ages. In its straightforward interpretation, this quote suggests that true freedom lies in the mastery of one's own self. It implies that external constraints, be it physical, societal, or otherwise, cannot truly impede an individual who has gained control over their thoughts, emotions, and desires. By obtaining the "empire" over oneself, one transcends the limitations imposed by external factors and achieves a state of inner liberation.The importance of this quote lies in its emphasis on personal responsibility and self-governance. Pythagoras believed that the path to true freedom starts from within, and that individuals must take ownership of their actions and choices. Only by understanding and controlling one's own thoughts and emotions can one navigate the complexities of life with grace and integrity. Through self-mastery, one gains the ability to make conscious decisions, unaffected by external pressures, and thus shape their own destiny.However, this quote also opens the door to a more unexpected and thought-provoking philosophical concept – the idea of the self as an empire composed of different aspects or faculties. This concept invites a deeper exploration of the complexity of human nature and the challenges we face in achieving self-mastery. Just as a ruler must govern a diverse and sometimes conflicting population, so too must we strive to maintain harmony between the various parts of our own selves.To illustrate this concept, let's imagine the self as a vast empire with multiple regions, each representing different aspects of our being. There may be the region of reason, where logic and rationality reign supreme; the region of emotions, where passion and intuition reside; the region of desires, where impulses and cravings influence our actions, and so on. Each region has its own unique character, and it is the task of the self-ruler to maintain a delicate balance and harmony between them.In this introspective journey, one might discover that some regions of their internal empire are flourishing and have gained too much power, while others may be neglected or oppressed. For instance, if reason becomes overly dominant, it may suppress the voice of emotions and desires, leading to a detachment from the richness of human experience. On the other hand, if desires run rampant, they may overshadow reason and result in impulsive actions with negative consequences.The attainment of self-empire, as proposed by Pythagoras, then becomes an ongoing process of achieving equilibrium within this internal empire. It involves recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of each region and striving for a harmonious cooperation among them. This is not an easy task, as it requires self-reflection, introspection, and a willingness to confront one's own limitations and biases.Ultimately, the empire of oneself is not about exerting control in a dictatorial manner; rather, it is about fostering an enlightened governance that allows for the harmonious interaction of all the aspects that make us human. It is through this balance that true freedom can be achieved – a freedom that transcends external circumstances and empowers us to navigate life's challenges with wisdom and resilience.In conclusion, Pythagoras' quote, "No one is free who has not obtained the empire of himself," reminds us that true freedom lies in the mastery of one's own self. It highlights the importance of personal responsibility and self-governance in achieving inner liberation. Moreover, the concept of the self as an empire invites us to explore the complexities of human nature and the need for a harmonious balance between different aspects of ourselves. By striving for this internal equilibrium, we embark on a lifelong journey towards self-mastery and unlock the true potential that lies within us all.