Enneads III.7: Of Time and Eternity
Third Ennead, Book Seven
Of Time and Eternity.[435]
Introduction. Eternity Exists Perpetually, While Time Becomes
(1.)[436] When saying that eternity and time differ, that eternity refers to perpetual existence, and time to what "becomes" (this visible world), we are speaking off-hand, spontaneously, intuitionally, and common language supports these forms of expression. When however we try to define our conceptions thereof in greater detail, we become embarrassed; the different opinions of ancient philosophers, and often even the same opinions, are interpreted differently. We however shall limit ourselves to an examination of these opinions, and we believe that we can fulfil our task of answering all questions by explaining the teachings of the ancient philosophers, without starting any minute disquisition of our own. We do indeed insist that some of these ancient philosophers, these blessed men[437] have achieved the truth. It remains only to decide which of them have done so, and how we ourselves can grasp their thought.