The Heart of Plotinus: The Essential Enneads

What can the ancient philosophy of Plotinus (204-270 A.D.) teach us today? Drawing parallels with other wisdom traditions of the East and West, Uždavinys emphasizes that Plotinus’ philosophy was not a purely mental or rational exercise, but a complete way of life incorporating the spiritual virtues. Plotinus, the renowned Egyptian sage and philosopher of the classical world, is widely regarded as the founder of the school of Neo-Platonism, which sought to revive the teachings of Plato. This book provides an extensive introduction to Plotinus’ teachings and an informative commentary on the Enneads. Also included is a commentary by Plotinus’ leading disciple, Porphyry (c. 233-305 A.D.) on an enigmatic passage from Homer’s epic, the Odyssey.