Why did the Pythagoreans meet in secret?

The Pythagoreans met in secret primarily to protect their philosophical teachings and mathematical discoveries from outsiders and to maintain a sense of community and loyalty among their members. They believed that their insights, particularly regarding numbers and their mystical properties, were sacred and should not be shared indiscriminately. Additionally, secrecy helped foster discipline and commitment within the group, ensuring that only those who were genuinely devoted to their principles could access their knowledge.