Plotinus
205 - 270
5
Quotes
Biography
Plotinus was a major philosopher of the ancient world who is considered one of the founders of Neoplatonism. He was born in Egypt around 205 AD and later moved to Rome where he established his philosophical school. Plotinus' teachings revolved around the concept of the One or the Good as the source of all existence, emphasizing the unity of all beings and the pursuit of spiritual perfection through contemplation and the ascent of the soul.
Famous Quotes (5)
1
The life of the godly is not a life of rule, but a life of worth.
2
Withdraw into yourself and look. And if you do not find yourself beautiful yet, act as does the creator of a statue that is to be made beautiful: he cuts away here, he smoothes there, he makes this line lighter, this other purer, until a lovely face has grown upon his work. So do you also: cut away all that is excessive, straighten all that is crooked, bring light to all that is overcast, labor to make all one glow of beauty and never cease chiseling your statue.
3
Living an unexamined life is contrary to one's own best interests.
4
The stars are like letters that inscribe themselves at every moment in the sky. Everything in the world is full of signs. All events are coordinated. All things depend on each other; as has been said, 'Everything breathes together.'
5
Through beauty all men have the divine in them unfolded.