## Abstract
This book surveys the 5th-century Neoplatonic philosopher Hierocles of Alexandria. It contains a survey of his life, writings, and pagan and Christian surroundings, and examines the major tenets of his thought under the rubrics of contemplative philosophy, practical philosophy (civil and telestic), and providence. The book situates Hierocles in the mainstream of Neoplatonism from Plotinus to Damascius. Particularly helpful is the inclusion of a modern English translation of Hierocles’ Commentary on the Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans and of the remnants of his treatise On Providence. The translations are fully annotated throughout.

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RealObjects PDFreactor(R) 10.1.10722.5, Serial No: 3892, Licensed for: Oxford University Press

IRL Press at Oxford University Press

Oxford Institute for Energy Studies

German Historical Institute London

Oxford University PressOxford

Oxford University Press, USA

United Kingdom and Ireland, United Kingdom

Annotated, 1, PT, 2002

Oxford, 2002-06-13

July 30, 2002

lg2965444

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RealObjects PDFreactor(R) 10.1.10722.5, Serial No: 3892, Licensed for: Oxford University Press

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Title Pages 1
Dedication 3
Preface 4
Acknowledgements 7
EXPLANATORY REMARKS 8
Part I The Life and Philosophy of Hierocles 56
The Life of Hierocles 12
The Philosophy of Hierocles 56
Providence, Fate, and Free Will 153
Part II Translation of the Commentary on the Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans 12
The so-called ‘Golden’ Pythagorean Verses, containing an elementary exposition of the most perfect philosophy of the Pythagoreans 1 193
The Commentary of Hierocles the Philosopher on the Pythagorean Verses 1 197
I Honour first the immortal gods, as established by law (I) 203
II And respect the oath (2) 221
III then revere the glorious heroes (2) 226
IV And [revere] the earth-dwelling daemons, performing lawful offerings. (3) 234
V Honour your parents also and your nearest kin. (4) 239
VI Of others make your friend whoever excels in virtue. (5) 243
VII Yield to gentle words and beneficent deeds, And condemn not your friend for a trivial fault, As long as you can; for ability dwells near necessity. (6–8) 245
VIII The above things know in this way. And accustom yourself to control: First of all, the belly, sleep, and lust, And spirit. (9–11) 251
IX Never do anything shameful with another Nor when alone; most of all before yourself be ashamed. (11–12) 256
X Next accustom yourself to practise justice in deed and word, And in nothing to behave irrationally. But know that to die has been destined for all, And that possessions are wont to be acquired at one time and lost at another. (13–16) 258
XI As many pains as mortals have by heaven- sent fortunes, Bear lightly your portion of these and be not distressed. You may seek to cure them, as far as you can, but keep in mind: Destiny does not give too many of these to the good. (17–20) 275
XII Many words, both base and noble, come to men’s ears; Do not be perplexed by these nor allow them To hinder you; and if some falsehood be told, Gently withdraw. (21–4) 296
XIII In everything do as I tell you! Let no one persuade you by word or by deed To do or say what does not prove better for you. (24–6) 301
XIV Take counsel before the deed, so that no foolishness may arise; It is a miserable man who acts and speaks thoughtlessly. But accomplish those things that will not distress you later on. (27–9) 308
XV Do no single thing in which you lack knowledge, but learn Whatever is necessary, and so you will lead a most agreeable life. (30– 1) 316
XVI And you must not be careless of the health of your body, But maintain moderation in drink and food and exercise; The moderation I mean will cause you no distress. (32–4) 320
XVII Accustom yourself to a manner of life that is pure, unaffected, And take care not to practise what leads to envy. Do not spend beyond measure like one ignorant of the good, Nor be illiberal—moderation in all things is best! (35-8) 326
XVIII Do what does you no harm, and take thought before the deed. (39) 332
XIX Let not your feeble eyes expect to sleep Until you have rehearsed each of the day’s deeds three times: ’Where have I transgressed? what have I done? what duty not fulfilled?’ Beginning from the first go through them in detail, and then, Rebuke yourself for the mean things you have done, but delight in the good. (40–4) 334
XX Work hard at these [precepts], put them to practice; you must desire them. They shall set you on the path of divine virtue; I swear by him who gave our soul the tetractys, The fount of everflowing nature! (45–8) 340
XXI But go to your work, Having prayed to the gods to perfect it. (48–9) 356
XXII Master these [precepts], And you will know the connection of immortal gods and mortal men, How it pervades each thing, and how each is ruled. (49-51) 360
XXIII You will know, as is meet and right, the likeness of nature in all, So that you do not hope what cannot be hoped nor fail in your awareness. (52–3) 365
XXIV You will know that men have freely chosen their troubles, Wretches, who neither discern the goods that are close by Nor give them heed; few understand deliverance from evils. Such is the fate that harms their minds: like cylinders They are borne here and there, to one thing and another, suffering endless troubles. For baneful discord follows along, secretly working its harm, Innate in us; you must not advance it, but withdraw and flee. (54-60) 372
XXV Father Zeus, from many evils you would surely deliver all men, If you would show to all what sort of daemon they have. But be of good courage, since the race of mortals is divine; To them sacred nature displays and reveals each thing. If you have a share in this, you will master my commands, Find a cure, and save your soul from sufferings like these. (61-6) 384
XXVI But avoid the foods of which we spoke, in purifications And in the deliverance of the soul being judicious, and ponder each thing, Setting on high most excellent knowledge as your charioteer. (67-9) 392
XXVII And when, with the body deserted, you have reached the free ether, You will be a deathless god, immortal, no longer a mortal. (70-1) 408
Part III Translation of On Providence 415
Codex 214 416
Codex 251 426
Bibliography 460
Index of Passages 486
Index of Names and Subjects 542
Index of the Commentary (Part II) 551
Index of on Providence (Part III) 561

"Hierocles of Alexandria was an influential teacher of Neoplatonic philosophy in Alexandria in the mid-fifth century AD. His one wholly surviving work is a commentary on a poem famous in late antiquity, known as The Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans. In addition, Hierocles wrote a treatise, On Providence, of which the Byzantine scholar Photius has given summaries and excerpts. Professor Schibli here provides the first modern English translation of both works, based on the best Greek texts, and has helpfully annotated them throughout.
The translations, which form Parts II and III of this book, are preceded in Part I by a survey of Hierocles' life and writings, a sketch of the late antique and early Christian world he inhabited, and finally by a systematic account of his philosophy. Instead of presenting him as a proponent of a particular 'Alexandrian' form of Platonism, the author situates Hierocles in the mainstream of the Neoplatonic tradition that extended from Plotinus, Porphyry, and Iamblichus through Plutarch of Athens (Hierocles' own teacher) to Proclus and Damascius."--BOOK JACKET.

Hierocles of Alexandria was a Neoplatonic philosopher of the fifth century AD. Hermann S. Schibli surveys his life, writings, and pagan and Christian surroundings, and succinctly examines the major points of his philosophy, both contemplative and practical. He includes the first modern English translations, with helpful notes, of Hierocles' Commentary on the Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans and of the remnants of his treatise On Providence.

Hierocles of Alexandria was a Neoplatonic philosopher of the fifth century AD. Hermann S. Schibli surveys his life, writings, and pagan and Christian surroundings, and succintly examines the major points of his philosophy, both contemplative and practical. He includes the first modern English translations, with helpful notes, of Hierocles' Commentary on the Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans and of the remnants of his treatise On Providence .

Hierocles of Alexandria was a Neoplatonic philosopher of the fifth century AD. This book surveys his life, writings, and pagan and Christian surroundings, and succintly examines the major points of his philosophy

2021-03-17