Origins & Early Life

Proclus Lycius (; 8 February 412 CE – 17 April 485 CE), called Proclus the Successor (Ancient Greek: Πρόκλος ὁ Διάδοχος, Próklos ho Diádokhos), was a Greek Neoplatonic philosopher, one of the last major classical philosophers of late antiquity. He set forth one of the most elaborate and fully developed systems of Neoplatonism and, through later interpreters and translators, exerted an influence on Byzantine philosophy, early Islamic philosophy, scholastic philosophy, and German idealism, especially G. W. F.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Hegel, who called Proclus's Platonic Theology "the true turning point or transition from ancient to modern times, from ancient philosophy to Christianity." The primary source for the life of Proclus is the eulogy Proclus, or On Happiness that was written for him upon his death by his successor, Marinus. Marinus's biography set out to prove that Proclus reached the peak of virtue and attained eudaimonia. There are also a few details about the time in which he lived in the similarly structured Life of Isidore written by the philosopher Damascius in the following century. According to Marinus, Proclus was born in 412 AD in Constantinople to a family of high social status...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Daniel Bernoulli — Shared historical date (02-08 · Born) (1700): Swiss mathematician and physicist, known for fluid mechanics and probability.
• Dennis Gabor — Shared historical date (02-08 · Died) (1979): Pioneering physicist known for the invention of holography and electron optics.
• Edith Evans — Shared historical date (02-08 · Born) (1888): Esteemed English actress celebrated for her stage mastery and iconic roles.
• Fritz Zwicky — Shared historical date (02-08 · Died) (1974): Pioneering Swiss astronomer known for dark matter and supernova theories.
• George Formby Sr — Shared historical date (02-08 · Died) (1921): Iconic music hall comedian and singer, known for Lancashire stereotypes and 'The Wigan Nightingale' persona.
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