Background

Pythagoras was motivated to interpret the whole world in terms of numbers and mathematics. Pythagoras was taught by Ionian philosophers Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes. As Pythagoras grew up, he went on trading trips with his dad, Mnesarchus. That helped him with some of the adventures he had later in life. His adventures in his early years helped push him toward his accomplishments later in life.