Don’t Spill the Beans: Pythagorean Silence

In this episode of The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast, Earl Fontainelle explores the concept of Pythagorean silence as a key theme in Western esotericism. He discusses how the Pythagoreans were known for their practice of silence, which was often seen as a superior form of wisdom and discourse, contrasting it with eloquence. The episode delves into stories from late antiquity, featuring figures like Apollonius of Tiana and Secundus, the silent philosopher, to illustrate how silence was used as a form of social capital, a way of commanding respect, and a means of defying worldly power. Fontainelle also examines the idea of rhetorical secrecy, where the act of withholding knowledge publicly enhances its value, similar to branding in modern capitalism.