---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In ancient days the Pythagoreans were…"
description: "\"In ancient days the Pythagoreans were used to change names with each other,--fancying that each would share the virtues they admired in the other.\" — H..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad5/henry-david-thoreau-20_ancient_in-ancient-days-the-pythagoreans-were-us_446967.jpg"
---

#  In ancient days the Pythagoreans were used to change names…

![“In ancient days the Pythagoreans were used to change names with each other,--fancying that each would share the virtues they admired in the other.” quote by Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad5/henry-david-thoreau-20_ancient_in-ancient-days-the-pythagoreans-were-us_446967.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad5/henry-david-thoreau-20_ancient_in-ancient-days-the-pythagoreans-were-us_446967.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad5/henry-david-thoreau-20_ancient_in-ancient-days-the-pythagoreans-were-us_446967.jpg)

> “In ancient days the Pythagoreans were used to change names with each other,--fancying that each would share the virtues they admired in the other.”

[Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Pythagoreans exchanged names to share admired virtues, reflecting mutual respect and aspiration.

**In simple terms:** Sharing names shared virtues.

Key Takeaway

Adopt admired traits.

Themes

friendship virtue identity

Mood

reflective philosophical

Type

ethical psychological

When to use this quote

- team building
- mentor relationships
- personal development

Key Concepts

symbolic exchange mutual admiration

Questions to Reflect On

- What virtues do you admire in others?
- How can you embody them?

A Different Perspective

Names alone don’t change character.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Ancient](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ancient/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/)

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