Book 1: Chapter 30, Plotinus Summary and Analysis

Plotinus (204-270 AD) was the last philosopher of antiquity, who found Neoplatonism. During his life the Roman empire experienced invasions of Germans along with the corruption of army, diminished population, and cities that were largely abandoned to escape tax-collectors.

Despite such developments Plotinus contemplated goodness and beauty in a similar way that other men of this age did. Practical world offered no hope and the other world was more attractive. Platonism was incorporated into Christian theology that clashed with other theologies.

Plotinus contributed to the moulding of Christianity in the Middle Ages and Catholic theology that differed due to various influences, including Platonism. He also wrote poetry and clarified Plato's teaching. He opposed materialism while clarifying the relation of soul and body. His life was known through Porphyry, a Semite called Malchus.

Plotinus was born in Egypt...