Plotinus's bio

Plotinus (205-270)

"No other mystical thinker even approaches Plotinus in power and insight and profound spiritual penetration." Dean Inge

(205) born and raised in Lykopolis (according to Suidas; Lycon according to Eunapius), Upper Egypt;

(234) Beginning his study of philosophy, Plotinus had attended the lectures of the most celebrated men of that time in Alexandria. All left him unsatisfied, until, when he was 28 years old, he discovered Ammonius Saccas (who also taught Origen). Spent ten years studying under Ammonius.

(242?, 44?) With the idea of learning something about Eastern philosophies, he accompanied the Emperor Gordian on a campaign against the Persians. Both were unsuccessful; Gordian was assassinated on this campaign, and Plotinus was even forced to flee for his life to Antioch.

(245) With the idea of reviving classical Hellenistic philosophy there, Plotinus moved to Rome. He was a popular lecturer, and won numerous adherents, including the Emperor Gallienus and his wife Salonina. He had a gentle and affectionate character, and led a deeply spiritual life (Porphyry relates that his master experienced ecstatic union with God four times in the six years he was his disciple). Plotinus was frequently approached for advice, and exercised the office of a sort of "spiritual director" to people. He also took orphaned children into his house and acted as their guardian. Porphyry described Plotinus as an "amateur," who was highly intuitive and argued intensely. He often annoyed pupils by insisting on threshing out each problem on its own merits as it arose, for days, if need be, rather than give the usual course of set lectures on philosophical systems. (Porph Life 13)

(250ff) He conceived the idea of building an "ideal city" in Campania, which Gallienus supported. The city would be called "Platonopolis"; its inhabitants would live according to the laws of Plato. However, the Emperor withdrew his support, possibly due to opposition from the imperial counselors.

(262-3) Porphyry [of Tyre] (232-305) becomes Plotinus’ pupil. Plotinus is said to have rescued Porphyry from committing suicide. (Chadwick) A thoroughly trained academic--Augustine refers to Porphyry as "doctissimus," "the most notable pagan philosopher." He was intensely religious and other-worldly, unquiet and erratic man.

(268) Retired from Rome to the country estate of a disciple in Campania, where he mostly wrote down his philosophy [Plotinus wrote in Greek]. He died there in 270.