Select Works of Plotinus

Plotinus

Language:

English

Status:

Complete work

Authorship:

Written by the author

I. ON THE VIETUES.' II. ii. I. Since evils are here, and revolve from necessity about this [terrestrial] place, but the soul wishes to fly from evils, it is requisite to fly from hence. What therefore is the fljg!^? To become similar, says Plato, to God. But thi^mlrnbe effected, if we become just and holy, in con- junction with [intellectual] prudence, and in short if we are [truly] virtuous. If therefore we are assimilated through virtue, is it to one who possesses virtue ? But to whom are we assimilated ? To divinity. Are we then assimilated to that nature which appears to possess the virtues in a more eminent degree, and also to the sovl of the world, and to the intellect which is the leader in it, in which there is an admirable wisdom? For it is reasonable to suppose that while we are here, we are assimilated to this intellect. Or is it not in the first place dubious, whether all the virtues are present with this intellect, such as temperance and fortitude, since there is nothing which can be dreadful to it ? For nothing externally happens to it, nor does any ^ See the additional notes at the end of this Volume, for a copious account of the political^ cathartic and theoretic virtues, the subject of the present treatise of Plotinus. SELECT WORKS OF PLOTINL'S. SELECT WORKS OF PLOTINL'S. thing pleasing approach to it, which when not present it may become desirous of poasessing, or apprehending. But if it also has an appetite directed to the intetligibles, after which our aoula aspire, it is evident that ornament and the virtues are from thence derived to us. Has therefore this intellect these virtues? Or may we not say, it is not reasonable to suppose, that it possesses what are called the p<^ttical virtues, viz. prudence indeed, about the part that deliberates and consults; fortitude about the irascible part; temperance, in the agreement and concord of the part that desires, with the reasoning power ; and justice, in each

Read the full work →