Meaning: The quote "God is not external to anyone, but is present with all things, though they are ignorant that he is so" is attributed to the ancient philosopher Plotinus. Plotinus was a prominent figure in the development of Neoplatonism, a philosophical system that sought to reconcile the teachings of Plato with other philosophical and religious traditions. The quote encapsulates an important aspect of Neoplatonic thought, emphasizing the immanence of the divine in all things.

At the heart of Plotinus' philosophy is the concept of the One, which represents the ultimate source of all reality and existence. The One is transcendent and ineffable, beyond all attributes and distinctions. It is the source of all being and is the ultimate unity from which all things emanate. In this sense, the One can be understood as synonymous with the concept of God in Plotinus' philosophy.

According to Plotinus, the One is not external to anyone or anything but is present within all things. This idea reflects the Neoplatonic understanding of the immanence of the divine. In other words, the divine is not a separate entity or being that exists apart from the world; rather, it permeates and sustains all of existence. This immanence is not dependent on the recognition or awareness of individuals; it is a fundamental aspect of reality that exists independently of human perception.

The quote also highlights the idea that many people are ignorant of the presence of the divine within all things. This ignorance is not a moral failing but rather a lack of awareness or understanding. In the Neoplatonic tradition, the goal of philosophy and spiritual practice is to awaken to this divine presence and to recognize the inherent unity of all existence. Through contemplation, meditation, and intellectual inquiry, individuals can come to a deeper understanding of the divine immanence and their own place within the larger cosmic order.

The concept of the divine being present within all things has important implications for ethics and metaphysics in Neoplatonism. If the divine is immanent in all things, then all of existence is interconnected and partakes in a fundamental unity. This understanding can lead to a sense of compassion, empathy, and reverence for all forms of life, as well as a recognition of the inherent value of the natural world.

From a metaphysical perspective, the immanence of the divine suggests that the material world is not separate or distinct from the divine reality but rather participates in it. This challenges dualistic conceptions that posit a radical separation between the physical and the spiritual. Instead, Neoplatonism offers a vision of a unified and integrated cosmos, where the divine is present in and through all levels of reality.

In conclusion, the quote from Plotinus encapsulates a central tenet of Neoplatonism, emphasizing the immanence of the divine in all things. This idea has profound implications for our understanding of the nature of reality, the interconnectedness of existence, and the ethical and metaphysical implications of recognizing the divine presence within all things. It invites us to contemplate the deeper meaning of the world around us and to awaken to the divine that is present within and around us, even if we are initially ignorant of its presence.