Why Did Pythagoras Have a Phobia of Beans?

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    Pythagoras
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reasons behind Pythagoras's reported fear of beans, touching on historical, cultural, and humorous interpretations. Participants explore various anecdotes and references, including modern comparisons and classic studies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested, Historical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions a connection between Pythagoras's fear of beans and a modern anecdote about buying Ukrainian wheat, suggesting a link to radiation poisoning.
  • Another participant humorously questions the historical accuracy of Whole Foods existing in Pythagoras's time.
  • A participant references the potential toxicity of certain beans, such as castor beans, and recalls that Pythagorean communities had specific dietary rules.
  • There are humorous exchanges referencing pop culture, specifically a campfire scene from "Blazing Saddles," indicating a lighthearted tone in parts of the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of humor and curiosity, with no clear consensus on the reasons behind Pythagoras's fear of beans. Multiple interpretations and anecdotes are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on anecdotal evidence and personal recollections, which may not be historically accurate. The discussion includes references to modern cultural elements that may not directly relate to the historical context of Pythagoras.

Gear300
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Why did Pythagoras fear beans? Somebody told me two years ago it was for the same reason he bought only Ukrainian wheat from Whole Foods. Radiation poisoning. Two years since and I still haven't figured what he meant.
 
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Gear300 said:
Somebody told me two years ago it was for the same reason he bought only Ukrainian wheat from Whole Foods.
I didn't even know they HAD Whole Foods back in Pythagoras's day.
 
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Likes   Reactions: Vanadium 50 and russ_watters
Lol. I read it like that too at first.
 
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The warning about fearing certain beans rings a faint bell from studying the classics. Some beans or seeds from the Mediterranean basin where Pythagoras lived appear edible but may contain mild to fatal toxins, such as castor beans that produce ricin.

If memory serves, Pythagoreans had some unusual community rules including diet and permissible consumables.
 
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🧐 I see. Thanks for the replies. I have been enlightened.
 
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Campfire scene from Blazing Saddles? Just sayin'.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
Campfire scene from Blazing Saddles? Just sayin'.
I remember that one.
 

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