Pythagoras on Brotherhood

 "The original purpose of the brotherhood which Pythagoras founded was undoubtedly a moral and religious one. Pythagoreanism, in its inception at least, was a 'way of life'; what its founder offered to the initiated brethren was a method of living whereby they might win their souls' salvation from the dep evils that infect human existence." - Martin, Clark, Clarke, Ruddick, History of Philosophy, Pg 21