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Writer's pictureKatarzyna Hasnik

Shall Designers pay attention to numerology according to the Pythagorean school? Well, why not?

Updated: Nov 30, 2023

But first what is Pythagorean school: Numerology, according to the Pythagorean school, is a system that assigns numerical values to letters in an alphabet. This system is based on the principles of Greek mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras, who is also known for the Pythagorean theorem in geometry. In Pythagorean numerology, each letter of the alphabet is assigned a numerical value from 1 to 9 based on its position in the alphabet.

Shall Designers pay attention to numerology according to the Pythagorean school? Well, why not?

Here is the assignment of numerical values according to the Pythagorean system:

  1. A, J, S = 1

  2. B, K, T = 2

  3. C, L, U = 3

  4. D, M, V = 4

  5. E, N, W = 5

  6. F, O, X = 6

  7. G, P, Y = 7

  8. H, Q, Z = 8

  9. I, R = 9

To find the numerical value of a name or word, you add up the values of each letter and reduce it to a single-digit number. For example, the name "John" would be calculated as follows:

J (1) + O (6) + H (8) + N (5) = 20


Then, you reduce 20 to a single digit:


2 + 0 = 2


So, according to Pythagorean numerology, the numerical value of the name "John" is 2.

Numerologists often interpret these single-digit numbers for insights into a person's personality, characteristics, and life path. The interpretations can be quite subjective and may vary among practitioners. It's essential to note that numerology is considered more of a metaphysical or esoteric practice and lacks empirical scientific support.

Shall Designers pay attention to numerology according to the Pythagorean school? Well, why not?

Going further with Pythagorean wisdom.



What is Trivium according to Pythagoras?

In the context of Pythagorean philosophy, the term "Trivium" doesn't refer to the classical education concept that includes grammar, rhetoric, and logic, as it does in later Western educational traditions. Instead, the Pythagorean Trivium refers to three fundamental principles or concepts that were central to Pythagorean teachings. These three principles are often associated with the Pythagorean motto "All is number."

  1. Arithmetic (Number): The first component of the Pythagorean Trivium is Arithmetic. Pythagoras and his followers believed that everything in the universe could be reduced to numbers and mathematical relationships. They considered numbers to be the essence of reality and a key to understanding the nature of existence.

  2. Harmony (Musica): The second element is Harmony, sometimes referred to as Musica. Pythagoras was particularly interested in the mathematical relationships found in music, such as the ratios of string lengths producing different musical tones. The Pythagoreans believed that these harmonious proportions were reflective of the fundamental order of the cosmos.

  3. Geometry: The third component is Geometry. Pythagoras is famous for the Pythagorean theorem in geometry, 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. Geometry was seen as a way to understand the spatial relationships in the physical world and was considered crucial to grasping the order and structure of the universe.

These three principles—Arithmetic, Harmony, and Geometry—constitute the Pythagorean Trivium and were thought to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the fundamental nature of reality. The Pythagoreans believed that through the study of these principles, one could gain insights into the underlying order and harmony of the cosmos.


Shall Designers pay attention to numerology according to the Pythagorean school? Well, why not?

What is the Classical Trivium?


The classical Trivium (grammar, logic, and rhetoric) with specific concepts, perhaps in a more modern or personalized context. Let's break down how you've associated them:

  1. Grammatical (Facts): This aligns with the traditional understanding of grammar in the Trivium, which involves the study of language structure, rules, and the proper use of words. In your context, it seems to be related to the acquisition of factual information.

  2. Logic (Knowledge, Information, Facts from Grammatical): Logic traditionally involves reasoning and the systematic organization of thoughts. In your formulation, it appears to be the process of deriving knowledge and information through logical reasoning based on the grammatical foundation.

  3. Rhetorica (Vision, Intuition, Knowledge from Vision, Intuition): Rhetoric in the classical Trivium refers to the art of persuasion through effective communication. In your interpretation, it seems to extend beyond persuasion to include vision, intuition, and the acquisition of knowledge through these means.

Collaborative Trivium seems to integrate traditional elements with a broader scope that includes intuition, vision, and a flow of knowledge through various channels. While the classical Trivium is more focused on language and communication skills. The collaborative formulation appears to broaden its application to encompass a wider range of cognitive processes.

It's worth noting that the classical Trivium is a foundational concept in classical education, particularly in the medieval and Renaissance periods. The personalized interpretation suggests an expansion of these classical ideas to include a more holistic approach to knowledge acquisition and communication.


Shall Designers pay attention to numerology according to the Pythagorean school? Well, why not?

Going further with the classical concept.


What comes after Trivium?


Quadrium seems to extend the classical Trivium by introducing a mathematical component. Let's break down the collaboration:

  1. Grammatical: This aligns with the traditional understanding of grammar, focusing on language structure, rules, and the proper use of words. In the context of Quadrium, it may involve the grammatical aspect of mathematical language, ensuring precision and clarity in mathematical communication.

  2. Logical: As in the Trivium, logical reasoning is essential. In Quadrium, logical thinking would likely play a crucial role in mathematical problem-solving, deduction, and the systematic organization of mathematical concepts.

  3. Rhetorical: In the context of Quadrium, rhetoric might involve the effective communication of mathematical ideas. This could include the ability to convey complex mathematical concepts in a clear and persuasive manner, facilitating understanding and collaboration in mathematical discourse.

  4. Mathematical (including Abstract Numbers): This is the additional component in Quadrium. It encompasses the study of numbers, mathematical operations, and the exploration of abstract mathematical concepts. It reflects an extension beyond the classical Trivium, bringing a quantitative and abstract dimension to the collaboration.

The above formulation appears to integrate language, reasoning, communication, and mathematical thinking into a comprehensive framework. This could be particularly relevant in educational contexts that aim to foster interdisciplinary skills, emphasizing the importance of mathematical reasoning alongside language and communication skills.


Shall Designers pay attention to numerology according to the Pythagorean school? Well, why not?

The deeper exploration of mathematics, including geometry, music, and astronomy, reflects a broad and interdisciplinary understanding of the subject. Let's collaborate on these components:

  1. Geometry (In Space): Geometry involves the study of shapes, sizes, properties, and the measurement of space. It provides a framework for understanding the spatial relationships between objects. In the context of Quadrium, the geometric component could contribute to a comprehensive understanding of space and form, influencing how we perceive and interact with our physical surroundings

  2. Music (In Time, Musical Chords): Music is a realm where mathematical principles, particularly in the form of ratios and frequencies, play a significant role. In Quadrium, the musical component brings a temporal dimension, emphasizing the mathematical harmony and relationships found in musical chords. This integration highlights the connection between mathematical patterns and the auditory experience over time.

  3. Astronomy (In Time and In Space): Astronomy involves the study of celestial objects and phenomena, considering both spatial and temporal dimensions. In Quadrium, the astronomical component extends the understanding of space and time, incorporating mathematical models to describe the movements of celestial bodies. It showcases the application of mathematical concepts to explore the vastness of the cosmos.

In summary, the collaborative Quadrium incorporates geometry for spatial understanding, music for a temporal and harmonic dimension, and astronomy for the exploration of both time and space on a cosmic scale. This interdisciplinary approach underscores the interconnectedness of various mathematical disciplines and their relevance to different aspects of the natural world.


Shall Designers pay attention to numerology according to the Pythagorean school? Well, why not?

As we know, the Rubik's Cube is a 3-D combination puzzle which was originally invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik, would not exist by all above, the same with Cube Houses (Dutch: kubuswoningen) are a set of innovative houses built in Helmond and Rotterdam in the Netherlands and designed by architect Piet Blom and many other abstract but truly the out of the box ideas.


Because above all the classical concept, there is something more, the connective dots and wider perspective to see beyond the current matter.


Shall Designers pay attention to numerology according to the Pythagorean school? Well, why not?

The fifth concept associated with classical philosophy is dynamic. Particularly here in this stream of thoughts, it is incorporating elements like the golden section, the senses, and the description of life. Let's explore this collaboration:

  1. Dynamic (The Golden Section, The Golden Sequence): The golden section, also known as the divine proportion or golden ratio, has deep roots in classical philosophy and mathematics. It's a ratio that appears in various natural phenomena and artistic creations. In the context of "dynamic," the golden section might symbolize the dynamic harmony and balance found in nature and art. Classical philosophers often appreciated the aesthetic significance of proportions, considering them reflections of universal order.

  2. Dynamic (Senses): Classical philosophy, especially in the works of philosophers like Aristotle, recognized the importance of the senses in understanding the world. The dynamic aspect here could involve the continuous interaction between the senses and the external environment, shaping our perception and experience of reality. The senses are dynamic channels through which we engage with and interpret the world around us.

  3. Dynamic (Description of Life): Classical philosophers often delved into the nature of life, its purpose, and the human experience. Describing life in a dynamic sense implies an ongoing process, a journey with continuous changes and developments. It aligns with the philosophical exploration of existence and the pursuit of understanding the dynamic nature of life's unfolding narrative.

In this collaborative context, "dynamic" encompasses both mathematical and sensory dimensions, reflecting the interconnectedness of natural patterns, human perception, and the ongoing narrative of life. The classical philosophy lens provides a foundation for appreciating the dynamic and harmonious aspects of existence, as seen through the golden section and sequence, the senses, and the description of life.


Create DESIGN which sings...which united all what Pythagoras stood for.

Shall Designers pay attention to numerology according to the Pythagorean school? Well, why not?

One last thought. The more you know, the better, more satisfying, more holistic and more in-depth the project you will create. Never underestimate any sector of education, even if it seems strange to you at first, like numerology. Because numerology comes from the stream of thought about the classical concepts of Pythagoras himself. In honour to his genius, include what he revealed to us.


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