Select Works of Plotinus · 616 of 752 · tr. Thomas Taylor
Select Works, Section 587
Section 26 26. We may now take the various specific types of Motion, such as locomotion, and once again enquire for each one whether it is not to be divided on the basis of direction, up, down, straight, circular- a question already raised; whether the organic motion should be distinguished from the inorganic- they are clearly not alike; whether, again, organic motions should be subdivided into walking, swimming and flight. Perhaps we should also distinguish, in each species, natural from unnatural motions: this distinction would however imply that motions have differences which are not external. It may indeed be the case that motions create these differences and cannot exist without them; but Nature may be supposed to be the ultimate source of motions and differences alike. Motions may also be classed as natural, artificial and purposive: "natural" embracing growth and decay; "artificial" architecture and shipbuilding; "purposive" enquiry, learning, government, and, in general, all speech and action. Again, with regard to growth, alteration and birth, the division may proceed from the natural and unnatural, or, speaking generally, from the characters of the moved objects.
Related passages · 4 parallels
◆hermeticism|Corpus Hermeticum 2: The Serapeum|Section 1b
“A: How is it, then, that things down here, Thrice-greatest one, are moved with those that are [already] moved?
For thou hast said the errant spheres were moved by the inerrant one.
H: This is not, O Asclepius, a moving with, but one again…”
Both passages explore the nature of motion and its classifications. Passage A from Plotinus discusses various types of motion and their distinctions, while Passage B from Hermeticism examines the relationship between motion and stability, and the causes of motion. Both texts delve into the philosophical understanding of motion within their respective traditions.
◆platonism|Plato: Timaeus|Section 1z
“But so long as in the process of transition the weaker is fighting against the stronger, the dissolution continues.
Again, when a few small particles, enclosed in many larger ones, are in process of decomposition and extinction, they only…”
Both passages discuss the nature of motion and its classification. Plotinus categorizes different types of motion and their characteristics, while the second passage explores the causes and effects of motion, particularly in relation to the elements. Both texts delve into the underlying principles governing motion, showing a conceptual parallel in their exploration of this theme.
◆western_esoteric|Tertium Organum (P.D. Ouspensky)|Chapter VIII (part 3)
“In addition to the simple sensations of these sense organs (color, sound, touch, smell and taste), in addition to the simple emotions of pleasure, pain, joy, anger, surprise, wonder, curiosity and many others, there is passing through our c…”
Both passages explore the relationship between human perception, consciousness, and the nature of reality. They discuss how the structure of our psychic apparatus influences our experience of the world, though they approach the topic from different philosophical and mystical traditions.
◆western_esoteric|Tertium Organum (P.D. Ouspensky)|Chapter XII (part 1)
“p.
136 CHAPTER XII Analysis of phenomena.
What defines different orders of phenomena for us?
Methods and forms of the transition of one order of phenomena into another.
Phenomena of motion.
Phenomena of life, Phenomena of consciousness…”
Both passages explore the classification and nature of different types of motion and phenomena. Passage A from Plotinus discusses various types of motion and their distinctions, while Passage B from an unnamed source analyzes different orders of phenomena and their transitions. Both texts aim to categorize and understand the fundamental aspects of reality through motion and phenomena.