Meaning: The quote "Pythagoras took the next important step by subordinating the mere matter of nature to its essential principle of form and order, identifying the latter with reason or the soul" encapsulates a key aspect of the philosophy of Pythagoras, an ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher. It reflects Pythagoras' emphasis on the fundamental principles of form, order, reason, and the soul in understanding the natural world. To fully appreciate the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the life and teachings of Pythagoras, as well as the broader philosophical and cultural context in which he lived.

Pythagoras, who lived in the 6th century BCE, is renowned for his contributions to mathematics, music theory, and philosophy. He founded a philosophical and religious movement that had a profound influence on Western thought. Central to his philosophy was the concept of harmony and the belief that the universe is governed by mathematical principles. This belief is often encapsulated in the famous Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.

The quote highlights Pythagoras' approach to understanding the natural world. He sought to discern the underlying order and structure that governed the physical realm, believing that this order was rooted in reason or the soul. For Pythagoras, the material world was not merely a random or chaotic assemblage of elements; rather, it was an expression of divine order and harmony. This perspective aligned with the broader shift in ancient Greek thought towards seeking rational explanations for natural phenomena, as opposed to attributing them to the capricious whims of gods and mythical forces.

Pythagoras' emphasis on form, order, reason, and the soul resonated not only in the realm of philosophy and mathematics but also in his views on ethics and the nature of the human soul. He believed in the transmigration of the soul, the idea that the soul undergoes a series of reincarnations, and that it can be purified through philosophical and moral contemplation. This spiritual dimension of Pythagorean thought underscores the interconnectedness of his philosophical and metaphysical beliefs.

Moreover, the quote sheds light on the broader intellectual and cultural milieu of ancient Greece during Pythagoras' time. It reflects the growing importance of rational inquiry and the quest for underlying principles that governed the natural world. Pythagoras was a contemporary of other influential thinkers such as Heraclitus and Parmenides, who also grappled with questions of existence, change, and the nature of reality. The emphasis on reason, order, and the soul in Pythagorean philosophy can be seen as part of this broader intellectual ferment in ancient Greece.

In conclusion, the quote "Pythagoras took the next important step by subordinating the mere matter of nature to its essential principle of form and order, identifying the latter with reason or the soul" encapsulates the core tenets of Pythagorean philosophy. It reflects Pythagoras' belief in the fundamental principles of form, order, reason, and the soul as essential for understanding the natural world and human existence. This quote serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of Pythagoras' thought on Western philosophy and intellectual inquiry.