Plotinus
Plotinus (c. 204/5 – 270 AD) was a renowned philosopher of Late Antiquity, often considered the founder of Neoplatonism. Born in Lycopolis, Egypt, Plotinus moved to Alexandria in his late twenties, where he became a student of the philosopher Ammonius Saccas. Seeking to deepen his understanding of Eastern philosophical traditions, he joined the military to accompany Emperor Gordian III's campaign against Persia but eventually settled in Rome after the failed expedition.
In Rome, Plotinus established a school where he lectured on philosophy, attracting a significant following. His teachings and thoughts were heavily influenced by Plato, yet he ventured beyond mere exegesis, developing original metaphysical ideas. His works, compiled by his student Porphyry into the "Enneads," elaborate on concepts like the One (the ultimate reality), the Nous (the divine intellect), and the Soul. Plotinus posited that the material world is a flawed reflection of a higher, spiritual reality.
Throughout his life, Plotinus emphasized the importance of inner purification and intellectual insight in achieving unity with the Divine. His influence endured beyond his death in 270 AD, profoundly impacting later philosophical and theological traditions, including early Christian thought and the Renaissance humanists, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in Western philosophy.