# Plotinus — Practical Mysticism character guide

> Plotinus in Practical Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Plotinus

**First appearance:** 0010-vii-the-first-form-of-contemplation

## Who they are

Neoplatonic philosopher whose writings on the One inform mystical tradition.

## Relationships

### [The Practical Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/the_practical_man)

_psychological_

Plotinus's abstract Neoplatonic philosophy presents a challenging intellectual puzzle for the Practical Man's concrete mindset.

### [William Blake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/william_blake)

_friendship_

Blake's visionary cosmology echoes Plotinus's emanationist philosophy, suggesting a shared metaphysical lineage.

## In the story

### [I: What Is Mysticism?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/practical_mysticism_se/chapters/i-what-is-mysticism)

Included as a philosopher-mystic who passes beyond thought to pure apprehension of truth.

### [Self Adjustment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/practical_mysticism_se/chapters/v-self-adjustment)

Plotinus is cited for his declaration of a 'higher' and 'lower' life, and the cleavage between them, which the chapter uses to explain the dualism of human personality.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/plotinus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/practical_mysticism_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters