Alexander Morpheigh

TBE: The Pythagorean explores ancient wisdom and philosophy through a modern lens. What inspired you to blend these ancient and contemporary elements in the story?

Alexander Morpheigh: Approximately six or seven years ago, I initiated and sponsored the production of a documentary film to explore contemporary Pythagoreans. During these expeditions, we encountered members of various modern Pythagorean societies, most of whom were esteemed scientists and university professors. The conversations and insights they shared laid the groundwork for the scientific and philosophical content of the book. The concept of narrating ancient wisdom through a modern lens also emerged naturally from these encounters.

TBE: Pythagoras is portrayed as having abilities that seem almost supernatural. How did you approach balancing the historical Pythagoras with more fantastical elements?

Alexander Morpheigh: The accounts of Pythagoras’s supernatural abilities were not my inventions; they are drawn from the writings of both ancient and contemporary Greek scientists. Furthermore, I had discussions on some of these extraordinary abilities with modern scientists who identify as Pythagoreans, whose responses and interpretations have also been incorporated into the book.

TBE: The protagonist Theo undergoes a significant transformation throughout the story. What were your goals in crafting his character arc?

Alexander Morpheigh: The primary aim was to reflect on the dilemmas facing modern society, where money is upheld as the ultimate value. Additionally, the theme of safeguarding personal boundaries is explored—an act that, while positive and necessary, can backfire when taken to extremes. I sought to present an alternative set of values for readers to consider. The protagonist, who embodies traits familiar to so many of us, undergoes a transformative journey, gradually evolving into a true individual. This character arc, I believe, is something that many readers can relate to and draw inspiration from in their own lives.

TBE: You incorporate many philosophical concepts and teachings into the narrative. Was it challenging to convey these ideas while maintaining an engaging story?

Alexander Morpheigh: The main challenge lies in sharing this story with an audience whose worldview is deeply rooted in modern scientific and religious doctrines. My goal was to introduce alternative ideas thoughtfully, striving to align as closely as possible with widely accepted contemporary theories. Given today’s fast-paced, ‘clip-like’ thinking, especially among the younger generation, it was essential to present these new concepts as an engaging, enjoyable narrative—a task that demanded creativity and subtlety to avoid being tedious

TBE: The novel touches on themes of consciousness, multiple dimensions, and the nature of reality. What research or experiences informed your exploration of these topics?

Alexander Morpheigh: I dedicated a substantial amount of time to studying physics and mathematics during my university years, as part of my technical engineering education. Beyond academics, extensive travel allowed me to engage in rich discussions with theologians from various religious backgrounds, where I explored ways to reconcile their beliefs with modern scientific perspectives. Additionally, I delved into many of these topics with astrophysicists who identify as Pythagoreans, whose scientific views are also woven into the book’s narrative.

TBE: Ancient Samos is vividly brought to life in the book. What was your process for recreating this historical setting?

Alexander Morpheigh: I travelled a lot to present-day Samos, engaging in meaningful conversations with locals. Additionally, I explored several historical texts detailing the history of Samos during Pythagoras’s era and prior. This wealth of information helped me construct a vivid portrayal of the period. While we may never know how closely it aligns with historical reality, there is always the opportunity to compare it with existing historical literature.

TBE: Mathematics and music play important roles in the story. Why did you choose to emphasize these particular aspects of Pythagorean philosophy?

Alexander Morpheigh: To capture the full impact of Pythagoras’s contributions to our lives would require more than just two books. So, I focused on his most accessible and influential ideas—those that readers can readily grasp and appreciate in terms of their far-reaching impact.

Did you know that Socrates left Athens only twice in his life? Once to visit Samos and once to visit Delphi to see the Oracle—remarkable, isn’t it?

Consider this: Socrates’ finest student was Plato, who began his philosophical journey only after acquiring a book by the Pythagorean Philolaus. Plato, in essence, was the true Pythagorean—a fascinating story of its own. His best student was Aristotle, and Aristotle’s own pupil was none other than Alexander the Great. And yet, it all traces back to the one who coined the term ‘philosophy’—Pythagoras himself. Readers deserve to know more about this profound lineage.

TBE: The book presents an intriguing take on time travel and parallel worlds. What drew you to include these science fiction elements in a historical novel?

Alexander Morpheigh: It may sound incredible, but this too comes from documented sources. Several respected ancient Greek scholars recorded similar accounts in their biographies of Pythagoras, noting that on a few occasions he was seen by different people in distant places at the same time. Given the consistency across historical texts, one might regard this as nearly a historical fact. Out of curiosity, I once asked a professor of nuclear physics, who also leads a modern Pythagorean society, for his scientific perspective on this phenomenon. His explanations provided the basis for that part of the story.

Unexpectedly, I also encountered a retired secret services officer whose work once involved investigating paranormal phenomena. While he couldn’t disclose everything, what he did share strikingly confirmed the views of the Pythagoreans. He even mentioned knowing someone with the rare ability to travel through time—just as Pythagoras was described to do. So, it turns out this capability might not be as unique as it first seems.

TBE: Pythagoras serves as both a teacher and a mysterious figure. How did you approach developing his complex character?

Alexander Morpheigh: This aspect was certainly a challenge. My main goal was to portray Pythagoras as a genuine, relatable figure, so that readers would feel they were encountering a real person. Only then I could gradually introduce his supernatural abilities without overshadowing his human essence.

Another critical point was to convey that a person’s true worth lies not in one’s abilities but in one’s character. Extraordinary powers, after all, are merely tools to nurture a compassionate nature and to aid others in their growth. Whether one is an ordinary person or a sage with mystical powers, the core of who they are—their inner humanity—is what truly matters. Seen from this perspective, even the portrayal of Pythagoras’s character might appear less complex, as his true strength comes from his humanity rather than his abilities

TBE: What do you hope readers will take away from The Pythagorean in terms of its philosophical and spiritual themes?

Alexander Morpheigh: My main hope is that the book will inspire readers to consider an alternative set of life values. It’s not about money, politics, or power—it’s about kindness, about exploring the world around us, and about inviting readers to elevate their perspective beyond their current worldview.

The book, from my perspective, serves three primary purposes:

To share the story of Pythagoras: Our modern generation seems to be losing its moral and ethical compass. I’ve met people of all ages who feel uncertain about what to believe. Modern culture often erodes our inner foundations, valuing money above all else. This book aims to present readers with a different, authentic set of values to consider.

To bring science closer to readers: The fiction in this book is largely grounded in real events and scientific principles. A reviewer once mentioned that after reading this book, he finally understood concepts he’d studied in his university physics course. In this way, the book popularizes real scientific ideas in an accessible and engaging manner.

To encourage tolerance and kindness: The book is also written to encourage greater understanding and compassion toward those who think differently. Even if a reader doesn’t fully embrace the ideas presented, I hope they’ll finish the book with a kinder perspective and a warm feeling—something especially meaningful in these challenging times.