Iamblichus Quotes
Iamblichus of Chalcis was a Syrian Greek Neoplatonist philosopher and the founder of the Syrian school of Neoplatonism. Departing from Plotinus and Porphyry, he held that intellectual contemplation alone is insufficient for the soul's ascent and that ritual practice, or theurgy, is also required to unite with the divine. The quotes below are attributed to Iamblichus, organized by topic.
Iamblichus on God
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Attributed to Iamblichus:
“It is not pure thought that unites theurgists to the gods.”
Iamblichus on Knowledge
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Attributed to Iamblichus:
“Mathematics is the bridge by which the soul ascends to the contemplation of the divine.”
Iamblichus on Love
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Attributed to Iamblichus:
“Friendship is the most accurate image of unity.”
Iamblichus on Virtue
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Attributed to Iamblichus:
“The Pythagorean way of life held to silence as a discipline of the soul.”
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Attributed to Iamblichus:
“The whole of human virtue lies in the imitation of the divine.”