Select Works of Plotinus · 200 of 752 · tr. Thomas Taylor

Select Works, Section 203 (part 2)

That one Reason-Principle, then, must be the unification of conflicting Reason-Principles whose very opposition is the support of its coherence and, almost, of its Being.

And indeed, if it were not multiple, it could not be a Universal Principle, it could not even be at all a Reason-Principle; in the fact of its being a Reason-Principle is contained the fact of interior difference.

Now the maximum of difference is contrariety; admitting that this differentiation exists and creates, it will create difference in the greatest and not in the least degree; in other words, the Reason-Principle, bringing about differentiation to the uttermost degree, will of necessity create contrarieties: it will be complete only by producing itself not in merely diverse things but in contrary things.

Themes

◆Evil As Privationtheology

Augustinian and Plotinian doctrine that evil has no positive being of its own but is a lack, distortion, or absence of the good — denying ontological dualism while preserving moral seriousness.

The text describes the ordinary man as 'futility' and suggests tears/laments are not proof of wrong, aligning with the view that apparent evils are deficiencies rather than positive realities.

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◆Gnosis Direct Knowledgesoteriology

Salvation through direct experiential knowledge of the divine nature, not through faith, ritual, or moral works alone.

The distinction between those who 'perceive' and those who know 'no more than to live the lower life' suggests salvation or truth lies in direct perception.

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◆Mechanical Humanityanthropology

Gurdjieff and Ouspensky's claim that ordinary human beings live in a state of waking sleep, reacting mechanically without unified will or consciousness, and that the spiritual path begins with recognising this condition.

The description of ordinary man living the 'lower and outer life' where he is 'but at play' and a 'futility' mirrors the concept of humans living in a state of waking sleep without true consciousness.

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◆Paradox As Teachingethics

Using apparent contradiction, reversal, or riddle to destabilise ordinary understanding and induce insight.

The statement that Socrates trifles only in the 'outer Socrates' uses a paradoxical distinction to clarify the nature of the sage's engagement with the world.

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◇Body As Obstacleanthropology

The material body viewed as a prison, tomb, or source of error that hinders spiritual knowledge and return.

[auto] The text contrasts the 'lower and outer life' associated with futility against the thoughtful inner life, implying the material/outer realm hinders true perception.

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◇Rejection Of Hypocrisyethics

Critique of outward religious observance that lacks inner transformation; form without substance.

[auto] It critiques those who read gravity into frivolities and treat play as serious matters, highlighting the disconnect between outward appearance and inner reality.

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◇Self Knowledgesoteriology

The recognition of one's own true divine nature as the primary path to liberation; 'know thyself' as soteriology.

[auto] The passage emphasizes recognizing one's true character versus the outer persona, warning against laying aside one's own nature for trifling.

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Related passages · 3 parallels

◆christian_mysticism|Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names|Chapter 11, Section 1b

“Plotinus says the Godhead is indivisibly divided. doth not leave Its own Unity, but, even in the act of going forth to all things, remains entirely within Itself through the excess of that all-transcendent Unity: concerning these things ‘t…”

Both passages discuss the concept of unity and multiplicity within a divine principle, exploring how unity can encompass diversity and opposition, and how this unity is fundamental to the nature of the divine.

◆greek_mystery|Orphic Hymns|Hymn XXXI. PALLAS (part 2)

“Some are the causes of conversion to inferiors, and of collecting the multitude of progressive natures to their proper principles: while others promote their progression and procreation, emanating from principles, as their source. Some sup…”

Both passages discuss the concept of contrariety and the necessity of differentiation within a unified principle. They explore how opposition and diversity are integral to the structure and function of fundamental principles, albeit within different philosophical and theological frameworks.

◆taoism|Tao Te Ching|Chapter 23

“Abstaining from speech marks him who is obeying the spontaneity of his nature. A violent wind does not last for a whole morning; a sudden rain does not last for the whole day. To whom is it that these (two) things are owing? To Heaven and E…”

Both passages discuss the importance of aligning with a higher nature or principle (the Tao in Passage B and the thoughtful life in Passage A) and criticize those who engage in superficial or frivolous activities. They emphasize the need for genuine understanding and adherence to a deeper truth.