The absolute, simple, and transcendent first principle. It is beyond "being" and "intellect," acting as the source of all existence.
We return to the One not by traveling, but by turning our attention inward, away from bodily desires and toward our own intellect. PLOTINUS THE ENNEADS
Existence is viewed as a "flow" or emanation from the One, like light from a fire or heat from a sun. This process is: The absolute, simple, and transcendent first principle
Thinkers like Hegel saw Plotinus as a precursor to their own complex metaphysical systems. Recommended Resources Plotinus - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Existence is viewed as a "flow" or emanation
Physical beauty is a "reminder" of the higher beauty of the Forms. Contemplating beautiful things can trigger the soul's memory of its divine origin.
Plotinus influenced some of history’s most important thinkers: