Plotinus
Plotinus
If you’ve ever felt like there’s more to life than what meets the eye, Plotinus would agree with you. Living in the 3rd century CE in the Roman Empire, Plotinus is the mind behind Neoplatonism—a powerful blend of metaphysics, mysticism, and deep inner reflection. He didn’t write his own works either; instead, his student Porphyry compiled them into a collection known as The Enneads. At the heart of Plotinus’ philosophy is a single, ineffable source of all things: The One. Everything in existence flows from it, and our goal? To return to that source through contemplation, virtue, and understanding. Plotinus wasn’t just speculating—he lived his philosophy, emphasizing simplicity, introspection, and spiritual discipline over worldly distractions.
What Can He Teach Me?
Plotinus his insights still hit deep. Here’s what we can learn from him:- Seek Unity Within – Life can feel fragmented, but Plotinus believed we all come from one source. His reminder? Stop chasing meaning outside yourself and start reconnecting with what’s already inside.
- Transcend the Noise – The world’s full of distractions. Plotinus teaches that true wisdom comes from turning inward and quieting the mind, not scrolling endlessly or chasing status.
- Live Simply, Think Deeply – He wasn’t into luxury or drama. Plotinus believed in stripping away what’s unnecessary so you can focus on what really matters—truth, beauty, and goodness.
- The Soul’s Journey – According to him, we’re not stuck in the material world—we’re just passing through. Our soul’s purpose is to ascend, to evolve, to reach higher levels of awareness.
- You Are Not Your Thoughts – In Plotinus’ view, the deepest part of us isn’t the chattering mind. It’s the silent presence that watches, that reaches for something higher. That’s where the real you lives.
Notable Works
Plotinus didn’t leave behind writings in the traditional sense, but his ideas live on through Porphyry’s editing of his teachings. Start with these if you want to dive into his world:
- The Enneads – The core collection of Plotinus’ philosophy, organized into six sets of nine treatises. It explores everything from the nature of reality to the path of the soul.
