Thinking Evil Quote by Plotinus
““For at this point one would arrive at the act of thinking of it (evil, i.e. κακως) as if to be disproportion in regards to proportion, and limitlessness in regards to limit, formlessness in regards to the one-shaping-the-forms, always wanting in self-sufficiency, always indefinite, no where having a place to situate itself, wholly passive, insatiable absolute poverty; and these things above have not been corresponding to it, but as if the true essential being of it is these things, and what is it but all these things.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Enneads, Book V, 2.1, 3rd century CE
The passage describes the ineffable nature of the ultimate reality, which transcends all categories and cannot be captured by finite concepts.
In simple terms: Ultimate reality is beyond all definitions and limits.
Key Takeaway
Accept mystery; avoid forcing definitions.
Themes
philosophy
metaphysics
ontology
Mood
reflective
enigmatic
Type
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- spiritual contemplation
- academic study
- personal meditation
Key Concepts
Platonism
negative theology
ineffability
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we relate to something that defies description?
- What does “indefinite” mean for personal identity?
A Different Perspective
Its abstract language may alienate readers unfamiliar with Neoplatonism.
