On Beauty - Classic Text | Alexandria
On Beauty by Plotinus is not merely an aesthetic treatise, but a philosophical ascent. It is an exploration not of surface appearances, but the very source from which beauty emanates and to which the soul yearns to return. Often misunderstood as a purely artistic or sensory observation, On Beauty, found primarily within the Enneads (likely written in the 3rd century CE), challenges us to question whether beauty truly resides in harmonious arrangements, or if something deeper whispers beneath the surface.
The seeds of Plotinus's aesthetic thought can be traced back to Plato, particularly his dialogues like the Symposium and Phaedrus. However, Plotinus innovatively synthesized Platonic ideals with Aristotelian metaphysics and Stoic ethics, crafting a unique Neoplatonic philosophy. He lived in a turbulent era, the twilight of the Roman Empire, a time marked by both intellectual ferment and societal decay. Within this context, Plotinus sought to guide the soul beyond the ephemeral beauty of the material world towards the eternal, unchanging beauty of the One –– a concept reflecting the era's spiritual anxieties and evolving understanding of the self.
Over the centuries, On Beauty has enjoyed a vibrant afterlife. From Marsilio Ficino and Renaissance Neoplatonists, who saw in Plotinus a guide to divine contemplation, to more contemporary artists and philosophers seeking a re-enchantment of the world, the text has sparked continual debate. Interestingly, Plotinus argued that true beauty isn't found simply in symmetry or proportion, but in the soul’s recognition of its own origin –– a connection to, and reflection of, the One. Is beauty, therefore, objective or a subjective experience?
On Beauty continues to echo in contemporary art, philosophy, and spirituality. It inspires artists to seek deeper meaning beyond mere representation and encourages philosophers to reconsider the ethical dimensions of aesthetic experience. Yet, the core mystery remains: can the essence of beauty truly be captured in words, or does it forever elude our grasp, remaining a silent invitation to embark on a journey of inward discovery?