Plotinus
c. 204–270 CE · Roman Egypt / Rome
- First attested
- 270 CEThe Enneads, edited and published by Porphyry c. 301 CE.
The soul's true destiny is contemplative ascent and re-absorption into the transcendent One.
Hellenistic philosopher and founder of Neoplatonism, whose discourses were arranged by his student Porphyry into the Enneads. Plotinus taught an emanative cosmology proceeding from The One (the supreme transcendent source) into Nous (Divine Mind/Intellect), Psyche (World Soul), and the material world.
Light
Profound unity consciousness and spiritual elevation through contemplative return.
Shadow
Ascetic escapism and severe disregard for bodily and social engagement.