RICHARD HARDER

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This text is a profound passage from the Enneads by the Neoplatonist philosopher Plotinus (specifically from Ennead VI, 9, "On the Good or the One").

It explores the metaphysical relationship between the human soul and the Divine (the "Good" or "God"). Here is a breakdown of the core themes and a translation to help you navigate its meaning.

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Core Themes

• The Soul's Origin: The soul is distinct from the Divine but originates from it, creating a natural, "innate" longing to return and unite with its source.

• Earthly vs. Divine Love: Plotinus argues that earthly love is often directed at "phantoms" or mortal objects that are not truly worthy of love. True fulfillment is found only in the "truly lovable" (the Divine).

• The Mystical Union: The goal of the soul is to shed all external attachments—what he calls the "fetter" or the "veil of flesh and blood"—to become one with the "Leader of true life."

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English Translation (Summary)

"The soul's innate longing for love proves that the Good is there. For since the soul is different from God, yet originates from Him, it necessarily longs for Him...

Whoever does not know this state should look at earthly love and see what it means to attain a beloved object. Let them consider that what we love here is mortal and merely an image... because what we loved was not truly lovable, nor the Good we were seeking.

But there [in the Divine] is the truly lovable, with which one who has grasped it can remain united... we must therefore feel grief over our chains and embrace God with our whole being, so that no part of us remains that is not attached to God."

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Key Philosophic Terms in the Text

German Term	Concept
Liebessehnsucht	The erotic longing/desire that drives the soul toward the One.
Scheinbilder	"Illusions" or "Images"—the physical world that mimics true reality.
Chorführer	"Chorus Leader"—a metaphor for God/The One guiding the harmony of life.
Fesseln	"Fetters" or "Chains"—the physical body and material desires that tie the soul down.

This specific German translation is likely from Richard Harder, who is famous for his authoritative German editions of Plotinus.

Would you like me to provide a deeper analysis of a specific section of this text, or perhaps find the exact chapter and verse in the Enneads for you?