Hierocles of Alexandria

New York: Oxford University Press (2002)
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Abstract

Hierocles of Alexandria was a Neoplatonic philosopher of the fifth century AD. Hermann S. Schibli surveys his life, writings, and pagan and Christian surroundings, and succintly examines the major points of his philosophy, both contemplative and practical. He includes the first modern English translations, with helpful notes, of Hierocles' Commentary on the Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans and of the remnants of his treatise On Providence.

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BJ214.H8.S35 2002

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0199249210

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Chapters

Codex 214.Hermann S. Schibli
Codex 251.Hermann S. Schibli
I Honour first the immortal gods, as established by law.Hermann S. Schibli
II And respect the oath.Hermann S. Schibli
III then revere the glorious heroes.Hermann S. Schibli
IV And [revere] the earth-dwelling daemons, performing lawful offerings.Hermann S. Schibli
IX Never do anything shameful with another Nor when alone; most of all before yourself be ashamed.Hermann S. Schibli
Providence, Fate, and Free Will.Hermann S. Schibli
The Commentary of Hierocles the Philosopher on the Pythagorean Verses 1.Hermann S. Schibli
The Life of Hierocles.Hermann S. Schibli
The Philosophy of Hierocles.Hermann S. Schibli
The so-called ‘Golden’ Pythagorean Verses, containing an elementary exposition of the most perfect philosophy of the Pythagoreans 1.Hermann S. Schibli
V Honour your parents also and your nearest kin.Hermann S. Schibli
VI Of others make your friend whoever excels in virtue.Hermann S. Schibli
VII Yield to gentle words and beneficent deeds, And condemn not your friend for a trivial fault, As long as you can; for ability dwells near necessity.Hermann S. Schibli
VIII The above things know in this way. And accustom yourself to control: First of all, the belly, sleep, and lust, And spirit.Hermann S. Schibli
X Next accustom yourself to practise justice in deed and word, And in nothing to behave irrationally. But know that to die has been destined for all, And that possessions are wont to be acquired at one time and lost at another.Hermann S. Schibli
XI As many pains as mortals have by heaven-sent fortunes, Bear lightly your portion of these and be not distressed. You may seek to cure them, as far as you can, but keep in mind: Destiny does not give too many of these to the good.Hermann S. Schibli
XII Many words, both base and noble, come to men’s ears; Do not be perplexed by these nor allow them To hinder you; and if some falsehood be told, Gently withdraw.Hermann S. Schibli
XIII In everything do as I tell you! Let no one persuade you by word or by deed To do or say what does not prove better for you.Hermann S. Schibli
XIV Take counsel before the deed, so that no foolishness may arise; It is a miserable man who acts and speaks thoughtlessly. But accomplish those things that will not distress you later on.Hermann S. Schibli
XIX Let not your feeble eyes expect to sleep Until you have rehearsed each of the day’s deeds three times: ’Where have I transgressed? what have I done? what duty not fulfilled?’ Beginning from the first go through them in detail, and then, Rebuke yourself for the mean things you have done, but delight in the good.Hermann S. Schibli
XV Do no single thing in which you lack knowledge, but learn Whatever is necessary, and so you will lead a most agreeable life.Hermann S. Schibli
XVI And you must not be careless of the health of your body, But maintain moderation in drink and food and exercise; The moderation I mean will cause you no distress.Hermann S. Schibli
XVII Accustom yourself to a manner of life that is pure, unaffected, And take care not to practise what leads to envy. Do not spend beyond measure like one ignorant of the good, Nor be illiberal—moderation in all things is best!Hermann S. Schibli
XVIII Do what does you no harm, and take thought before the deed.Hermann S. Schibli
XX Work hard at these [precepts], put them to practice; you must desire them. They shall set you on the path of divine virtue; I swear by him who gave our soul the tetractys, The fount of everflowing nature!Hermann S. Schibli
XXI But go to your work, Having prayed to the gods to perfect it.Hermann S. Schibli
XXII Master these [precepts], And you will know the connection of immortal gods and mortal men, How it pervades each thing, and how each is ruled.Hermann S. Schibli
XXIII You will know, as is meet and right, the likeness of nature in all, So that you do not hope what cannot be hoped nor fail in your awareness.Hermann S. Schibli
XXIV You will know that men have freely chosen their troubles, Wretches, who neither discern the goods that are close by Nor give them heed; few understand deliverance from evils. Such is the fate that harms their minds: like cylinders They are borne here and there, to one thing and another, suffering endless troubles. For baneful discord follows along, secretly working its harm, Innate in us; you must not advance it, but withdraw and flee. [REVIEW]Hermann S. Schibli
XXV Father Zeus, from many evils you would surely deliver all men, If you would show to all what sort of daemon they have. But be of good courage, since the race of mortals is divine; To them sacred nature displays and reveals each thing. If you have a share in this, you will master my commands, Find a cure, and save your soul from sufferings like these. [REVIEW]Hermann S. Schibli
XXVI But avoid the foods of which we spoke, in purifications And in the deliverance of the soul being judicious, and ponder each thing, Setting on high most excellent knowledge as your charioteer.Hermann S. Schibli
XXVII And when, with the body deserted, you have reached the free ether, You will be a deathless god, immortal, no longer a mortal.Hermann S. Schibli

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The Philosophy of Hierocles.Hermann S. Schibli - 2002 - In Hermann Sadun Schibli (ed.), Hierocles of Alexandria. New York: Oxford University Press.
Codex 214.Hermann S. Schibli - 2002 - In Hermann Sadun Schibli (ed.), Hierocles of Alexandria. New York: Oxford University Press.
The Life of Hierocles.Hermann S. Schibli - 2002 - In Hermann Sadun Schibli (ed.), Hierocles of Alexandria. New York: Oxford University Press.

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Citations of this work

Creation and Divine Providence in Plotinus.Christopher Noble & Nathan Powers - 2015 - In Anna Marmodoro & Brian D. Prince (eds.), Causation and Creation in Late Antiquity. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. pp. 51-70.
From Plato's good to Platonic God.Lloyd Gerson - 2008 - International Journal of the Platonic Tradition 2 (2):93-112.
Platonismo e pitagorismo.D. P. Taormina - 2012 - In Riccardo Chiaradonna (ed.), Filosofia tardoantica: storia e problemi. Roma: Carocci. pp. 103--127.

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