Contrary Movements

The rational soul acheives its proper end, wherever the limits of its life may be. It is not as in dance or the theatre or other such arts, in which, if something comes along to interrupt them, the entire action is incomplete. The action of the rational soul, by contrast - in all of its parts, and wherever it is considered- carries out its projects fully and without fail, so that it can say, ¨I have achieved my completion¨.

- Marcus Aurelius

We are like a chorus grouped about a conductor who allow their attention to be distracted by the audience. If, however, they were to turn towards the conductor, they would sing as they should and would really be with him. We are always around the One. If we were not, we would dissolve and cease to exist. Yet our gaze does not remain fixed upon the One. When we look at it, we then attain the end of our desires and find rest. Then it is that, all discord past, we dance an inspired dance around it.

- Plotinus