In this work, Hadot examines Plotinus' views on the self, existence, love, virtue, gentleness and solitude. He shows that Plotinus, like other philosophers of his day, believed that Plato and Aristotle had already articulated the essential truths, and so his purpose was to live philosophically.

Pierre Hadot (1922-2010) was professor of the history of Hellenistic and Roman thought at the Collège de France. He was the author of many books, including Plotinus or the Simplicity of Vision.