Jejak Pythagoras: Dari Yunani Kuno hingga Masa Kini

The story of Pythagoras is one that transcends time, from ancient Greece to the present day. His contributions to mathematics, particularly the Pythagorean theorem, have left an indelible mark on the field. This article will trace the journey of Pythagoras, exploring his life, his works, and his enduring legacy.

The Early Life of Pythagoras

Pythagoras was born around 570 BC in Samos, an island in the Aegean Sea. His father was a merchant, and it is believed that his travels exposed young Pythagoras to a variety of cultures and philosophies. This early exposure to different ways of thinking likely influenced his later philosophical and mathematical pursuits.

The Pythagorean Brotherhood

In his adulthood, Pythagoras founded a philosophical and religious school in Croton, a city in southern Italy. This school, known as the Pythagorean Brotherhood, was not just a place of learning. It was also a community that lived according to Pythagoras's teachings. The Brotherhood believed in the transmigration of souls and the sanctity of numbers, ideas that were revolutionary at the time.

The Pythagorean Theorem

The most famous contribution of Pythagoras to mathematics is the Pythagorean theorem. This theorem states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. This theorem has been a fundamental principle in geometry and has countless applications in various fields, from architecture to physics.

The Legacy of Pythagoras

Even after his death, the influence of Pythagoras continued to be felt. His teachings were carried on by his followers, and his ideas spread throughout the ancient world. Today, the Pythagorean theorem is taught in schools worldwide, and his philosophical ideas continue to be studied and debated.

In conclusion, the journey of Pythagoras from ancient Greece to the present day is a testament to the enduring power of his ideas. His contributions to mathematics and philosophy have shaped the way we understand the world, and his legacy continues to inspire and intrigue us. Whether we are studying the geometry of a right-angled triangle or pondering the mysteries of the universe, we are walking in the footsteps of Pythagoras.