The Enneads by Plotinus

Description

The Enneads by Plotinus is a monumental work in the history of Western philosophy and the cornerstone of Neoplatonism. Compiled and edited by his student Porphyry, the six sets of nine treatises (hence "Enneads") explore profound questions about the nature of reality, the soul, and the path to spiritual ascent. At the heart of Plotinus' philosophy is the concept of "The One"—an ineffable, transcendent source of all existence beyond being and thought. From The One emanates the Divine Intellect (Nous), and from the Intellect comes the World Soul, creating a hierarchical structure of reality that flows outward from the ultimate unity toward multiplicity. Plotinus describes the human soul’s alienation from its divine origin and outlines a mystical path of return through philosophical contemplation, ethical living, and inner purification. His metaphysics of emanation and return not only interpret reality as an interconnected, dynamic process but also offer a vision of human transformation aimed at reuniting the soul with The One. The Enneads delve into topics like the immortality of the soul, the nature of evil, beauty, and the problem of free will, blending rigorous metaphysical inquiry with a deep spiritual quest. Profoundly influencing later Christian, Islamic, and Jewish thought, as well as the Renaissance and modern mysticism, The Enneads remains a testament to Plotinus' vision of philosophy as a transformative practice leading to union with the divine source of all things.