| Born | c. 204 CE, Egypt |
| Died | 270 CE, Minturno, Italy |
| Influence | Instrumental in the development of Neoplatonism and preserving classical Greek knowledge and wisdom |
| Known for | Founding the Academy of Athens • Synthesizing Pythagoreanism, Greek mystery cults, and holistic perspectives |
| Main work | 'Ascent to the Divine' |
| Occupation | Philosopher |
| Philosophy | Neoplatonism • Holistic perspectives on the universe and the human soul |
| Other names | None |
| Influenced by | Pythagoreanism • Greek mystery cults |
Plotinus (c. 397-325 BC) was a leading ancient Greek philosopher, founder of the Academy of Athens, and author of the seminal philosophical treatise, "Ascent to the Divine." While most famous for his Neoplatonic ideas, Plotinus contributed significantly to various schools of ancient philosophy, including Pythagoreanism and Greek mystery cults. His holistic perspective on the universe and the human soul was influential and helped preserve classical Greek knowledge for generations.
Born in Athens, Plotinus received a traditional Hellenic education before studying philosophy under various tutors, including Ammonius Saccas. While little is known about Plotinus's early years, his philosophical inquiries focused on the nature of self, consciousness, and reality.
After his studies, Plotinus founded the Academy of Athens to promote the philosophical ideas he was developing. His teachings synthesized Pythagorean philosophy and Greek mystery cults, incorporating a holistic cosmology and the concept of continuous spiritual growth. Plotinus emphasized the study of individual virtues, meditation, and contemplation as essential for spiritual ascension.
"Ascent to the Divine" was Plotinus's magnum opus, a treatise that outlined the stages of spiritual ascent and contemplation of the divine Forms. This text had a profound influence not only on the Academy of Athens but also on later Platonist and Neoplatonist movements. It explored the relationships between the material world, the Forms, and the divine intellect, which Plotinus contended could be accessed through contemplation and spiritual growth.
Plotinus continued his philosophical work and his efforts to establish the Academy of Athens as the leading center of ancient philosophical thought. He died in Athens in 325 BC, having lived a long and influential life dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom and understanding.
Plotinus's ideas had a significant impact on ancient philosophy, particularly in the development of Stoicism and Skepticism. His philosophy of spiritual ascent and contemplation of the Forms gave rise to the Neoplatonic movement that flourished during the late Hellenistic and Roman era.
Moreover, Plotinus's ideas were influential in the preservation of classical Greek knowledge and wisdom. His synthesis of Pythagoreanism, Greek mystery cults, and holistic perspectives on the universe and the human soul shaped the early Renaissance movement and contributed to the concept of the Renaissance philosopher-artist.
Today, Plotinus is primarily remembered for his seminal work, "Ascent to the Divine," which remains one of the most influential philosophical treatises of its era.
