How did the golden ratio influence Pythagoras?

The golden ratio, approximately 1.618, influenced Pythagoras and his followers through its aesthetic and mathematical properties, particularly in geometry and proportions. Pythagorean beliefs emphasized harmony and beauty in numbers, and the golden ratio exemplified these ideals through its occurrence in nature, art, and architecture. This connection likely inspired Pythagoras to explore relationships between numbers and shapes, reinforcing the idea that mathematics could explain the universe's underlying order. Ultimately, the golden ratio contributed to the Pythagorean focus on the interconnectedness of mathematics, beauty, and the natural world.