Enneads I.8: Of the Nature and Origin of Evils
The Primary Evil Is Evil in Itself
Reason, therefore, forces us to recognize as the primary evil, Evil in itself. (This is matter which is) the subject of figure, form, determination, and limitation; which owes its ornaments to others, which has nothing good in itself, which is but a vain image by comparison with the real beings—in other words, the essence of evil, if such an essence can exist.