On the Soul (De Anima) with Simplicius Commentary

scurity. There are also some who, so that they may not be ranked among the ignorant, dare to slander what they cannot understand; and there is a third class who labor in vain in attempting to fathom the Stagirite's profundity. The first of these exhibit their laziness, the second their dishonesty, and the third their folly. They detract nothing, however, from the authority of Aristotle. For to abstain from the most beautiful and useful pursuits on account of their difficulty is an indication of a most abject mind. To approach the more abstruse works of Aristotle with "unwashed feet and unhallowed lips," as the Chaldæan Oracle Ancient Greek writings often associated with Neoplatonism, emphasizing mystical or divine revelation. expresses it, and without a previous acquaintance with the introductory part of his writings, is insanity. And no man is accustomed to blame what he does not understand, except one who is evidently worthless and a sophist. A teacher of philosophy and rhetoric in ancient Greece, often criticized for using fallacious arguments. I trust, however, that the reader who applies themselves to this admirable treatise with the proper requirements will, by means of the copious elucidations from the excellent Commentaries of Simplicius A 6th-century Neoplatonist philosopher known for his commentaries on Aristotle. contained herein, be able to understand it. Had my requests to two learned men for the loan of these Commentaries for a few months been successful, the elucidations would have been even more ample; but the time and great labor spent by me in transcribing from the copy in the British Museum¹ prevented me from being more diffuse.

That the reader, however, may have all the information it is in my power to give as preparation for the comprehension of this very difficult treatise, I shall discuss at length, from ancient sources,

¹ To learned men, as they are called, of the present day—that is, to grammarians and critics—I am very little indebted; but I owe much to the library of that excellent institution, the British Museum.