hurchmen of the Middle Ages worked the memory of Pythagoras great injustice by quoting him literally in order to prove how much they were beyond him. Symbols and epigrams require a sympathetic hearer, otherwise they are as naught.
For instance, Pythagoras remarks, "Sit thou not down upon a bushel measure." What he probably meant was, get busy and fill the measure with grain rather than use it for a seat.
"Eat not the heart"—do not act so as to harrow the feelings of your friends, and do not be morbid.
"Never stir the fire with a sword"—do not inflame people who are wrathful.
"Wear not the image of God upon your jewelry"—do not make religion a proud or boastful thing.
"Help men to a burden, but never unburden them." This saying was used by Saint Francis to prove that the pagan philosophers had no tenderness, and that the humanities came at a later date. We can now easily understand that to relieve men of responsibilities is no help; rather do we grow strong by carrying burdens.
"Leave not the mark of the pot upon the ashes"—wipe out the past, forget it, look to the future.
"Feed no animal that has crooked claws"—do not encourage rogues by supplying them a living.
"Eat no fish whose fins are black"—have nothing to do with men whose deeds are dark.
"Always have salt upon your table"—this seems the original of "cum grano salis" of the Romans.