Exhortation to Philosophy (Protrepticus)

This translation continues from the previous page, where Iamblichus describes the methodology of integrating Pythagorean teachings into a broader philosophical framework.

...of the Pythagorean men in this manner of discourse; from which, as is likely, we shall imperceptibly depart from external concepts 14 K and proceed to, and make our own, the proofs fashioned according to the school, ascending from below to the heights as if by some bridge or ladder. At the end, we shall arrange the specific exhortations of the Pythagorean school, which are, in a certain way, foreign and secret to other paths.

II. Let us now begin from those things which are first with respect to us. These are things manifest and apparent to all, which have not yet grasped the substance of virtue, but which stir our zeal for it according to common notions, through maxims familiar to the many, which are likened to the manifest examples of existing things. They are as follows:

We must say that those who live with soul live well by its virtue, just as those who see with eyes see well by their excellence. One must believe that neither gold nor the shame of virtue should be touched. One must proceed toward virtue as if into an inviolable sanctuary, 4 Δ 16 K so that we are not delivered up to any ignoble outrage of the soul.