Plotinus Biography

(Ancient Philosopher and Founder of ‘Neoplatonism’)

Born: 204

Born In: Lycopolis, Egypt

Plotinus was an ancient philosopher considered as the pioneering founder of Neo-Platonism, a philosophical movement of the Graeco-Roman world in late antiquity. He is also known as the last most famous pagan philosopher and his metaphysical writings have inspired centuries of Pagan, Christian, Jewish, Islamic and Gnostic metaphysicians and mystics. He developed metaphysics of comprehensible sources of the rational world and the human soul and told the world that the definitive cause of everything is 'the One' or 'the Good'. It is entirely simple and cannot be seized by thought or given any positive resolve. He was the true follower of Plato and considered himself as the expositor and advocator of the philosophical stance whose supreme exemplar was Plato himself. Apart from highly influencing the Western thought, he also influenced the 17th century England, medieval Islamic spirituals and medieval Indian philosophers. The philosophy of Plotinus is characterized in the complete collection of his discourses, collected and edited by his student Porphyry into six books of nine discourses each. They have been handed down to us under the title of the ‘Enneads’.
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Quick Facts

Died At Age: 66

Born Country: Egypt

Philosophers Ancient Roman Men

Died on: 270

place of death: Campania, Italy

  • 1

    What is Plotinus known for?

    Plotinus is known for being a prominent ancient Greek philosopher who founded Neoplatonism, a philosophical system that combined elements of Platonic philosophy with other mystical and religious ideas.
  • 2

    What are the key teachings of Plotinus?

    Key teachings of Plotinus include the belief in the existence of a single, transcendent source of all reality (the One), the concept of emanation as a process through which all things originate from the One, and the importance of contemplation and spiritual ascent as a means of achieving union with the divine.
  • 3

    How did Plotinus influence later philosophers?

    Plotinus had a significant influence on later philosophers, particularly in the Christian and Islamic traditions. His ideas on the nature of reality, the soul, and the divine served as a foundation for later theological and philosophical developments.
  • 4

    What is the Enneads?

    The Enneads is a collection of the writings of Plotinus, compiled by his student Porphyry. It consists of six groups of nine treatises each, covering a wide range of philosophical topics such as metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and aesthetics.
Childhood & Early Life
Just like most of the ancient philosophers not too much is known about Plotinus’ life but because one of his disciples Porphyry had written a biography on him, therefore we know more about him than any other ancient philosopher.
Plotinus was born in Lycopolis, Egypt, in 204 or 205 C.E. Towards his late 20s, he moved to Alexandria to learn more about philosophy. He was not happy with any teacher’s teachings until he met Ammonius Saccas.
He started studying under his newly found teacher and was also influenced by the philosophical works of Alexander of Aphrodisias, Numenius and various Stoics.
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Life & Work
Around the age of 38, after studying intently in Alexandria for about eleven years, Plotinus decided to take his philosophical curiosity to the Persian philosophers and Indian philosophers.
For his new pursuit, he joined the army of Gordian III, which was assigned to capture Persia but unfortunately they failed and after Gordian’s death Plotinus had to leave the place, which is why he fled to Antioch.
By the age of 40, under Philip of Arab’s sovereignty, Plotinus came to Rome and built up a circle of students, which included: Porphyry, Amelius Gentilianus of Tuscany, the Senator Castricius Firmus, Eustochius of Alexandria, Zoticus, a critic and poet, etc.
He also had students amongst the Roman Senate, like, Marcellus Orontius, Sabinillus, etc. He also had female students and lived in the house of one of his woman disciples named Gemina. He was a correspondent of philosopher Cassius Longinus.
In Rome, he became famous amongst the royal family as well; he gained the admiration of the Emperor Gallienus and his wife Salonina. He also endeavored rebuilding an abandoned settlement in Campania and called it ‘City of Philosophers’.
He spent his final days in isolation on his friend Zethos’ property in Campania. Eustochius attended him at the end and Plotinus' final words were, "Strive to give back the Divine in yourselves to the Divine in the All."
Plotinus was 66 years old when he died in 270 C.E., the second year of the reign of the emperor Claudius II.
Plotinus’ essays became ‘Enneads’ about 17 years after his death. Porphyry compiled and arranged his notes himself and before that they were just a huge collection of notes and essays that Plotinus used to use for his lectures.
Major Works
Plotinus is considered to be the most significant critic and interpreter of Plato, and therefore, founder of Neo-Platonism. He was also a truly novel thinker who was influenced not only by Plato, but also by the Stoics and Neo-Pythagoreans.
Facts About Plotinus
Plotinus was known for his deep love and appreciation for animals, often going out of his way to care for them and show them kindness.
He had a peculiar habit of meditating in complete darkness, believing that it helped him achieve a higher level of spiritual awareness and insight.
Plotinus had a great affinity for music and believed that certain melodies had the power to elevate the soul and connect it to the divine.
Despite his philosophical genius, Plotinus had a playful side and enjoyed engaging in friendly debates with his students and colleagues.
He had a strong sense of environmental stewardship and frequently emphasized the importance of living in harmony with nature and preserving the earth for future generations.

See the events in life of Plotinus in Chronological Order

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