Complete Works in Chronological Order, Grouped in Four Periods with Biography by Porphyry, Eunapius & Suidas, Commentary by Porphyry; Illustrations by Jamblichus & Ammonius

by Plotinus, Porphyry, Kenneth Sylvan Guthrie

s/t: Studies in Sources, Development, Influence, Index of Subjects, Thoughts

Genres: Philosophy, Ancient History, Classics

398 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2009

About the author

Egyptian-born Roman philosopher Plotinus and his successors in the 3rd century at Alexandria founded and developed Neoplatonism, a philosophical system, which, based on Platonism with elements of mysticism and some Judaic and Christian concepts, posits a single source from which all existence emanates and with which one mystically can unite an individual soul; The Enneads collects his writings.

Saint Thomas Aquinas combined elements of this system and other philosophy within a context of Christian thought.

People widely consider this major of the ancient world alongside Ammonius Saccas, his teacher.
He influenced in late antiquity. Much of our biographical information about Plotinus comes from preface of Porphyry to his edition. His metaphysical writings inspired centuries of pagan, Islamic, and Gnostic metaphysicians and mystics.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plotinus

Reviews

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Enneads by Plotinos is a philosophical masterpiece that laid the groundwork for the development of Neoplatonism. The book is a collection of six books containing 54 treatises that delve into the nature of the universe, the human soul, and the concept of the One. Plotinos' ideas were heavily influenced by Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics. The key theme of the Enneads is the nature of reality, with a strong focus on the concept of the One as the ultimate source of all existence. The book's impact on the development of philosophy is immense, as it influenced thinkers throughout history. However, its dense language and complex concepts may be challenging for readers without a strong background in philosophy. One potential critique of the book is that it can be repetitive at times, with similar ideas presented in different treatises. Overall, The Enneads is a must-read for those interested in philosophy and the development of Western thought.

[Alex Frame · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may be the last of the great Greek philosophers. He's not an easy read but he synthesizes all the earlier Greeks like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle into his own unique system and was influential though up to recently i hadn't heard of him.
His segment on souls is mind boggling and will stay with you.