An Essay on the Beautiful, from the Greek of Plotinus

A philosophical treatise likely written in the late 3rd century AD, focusing on beauty's nature and its connection to the divine and the soul. This book attempts to explore and define beauty, delving deeply into metaphysical concepts aligned with Platonic philosophy. It examines how beauty manifests in both the physical world and the higher realms of intellect and virtue. The essay argues that beauty exists on different levels, from physical beauty perceived by the senses to a transcendent beauty that the intellect can comprehend. Plotinus asserts that true beauty is linked to the divine source of all good and that the soul, through its purity and virtues, can ascend toward this ultimate beauty. The text contrasts superficial perceptions of beauty with deeper philosophical insights and emphasizes the importance of inner reflection and purification to recognize true beauty. It advocates a return to the essence of beauty within oneself, suggesting that the pursuit of loveliness should lead one toward the divine rather than material forms. This approach to beauty, as combined with the philosophical inquiry into its nature, illustrates Plotinus's view that beauty is a pathway to understanding the eternal truths of existence.