The six books of Proclus, the Platonic successor, on the theology of Plato (vol. 2 of 2) : $b translated from the Greek, to which a seventh book is added, in order to supply the deficiency of another book on this subject, which was written by Proclus, but since lost, also, a translation from the Greek of Proclus' Elements of theology, to which are added a translation of the treatise of Proclus, On providence and fate, a translation of extracts from his treatise, entitled, Ten doubts concerning p
Plato · en
Further still, this also may be said, that souls enjoy intellect then
only when they convert themselves to it, receive its light, and conjoin
their own with intellectual energy; but they experience the presiding
care of a dæmoniacal nature through the whole of life, and in every
thing which proceeds from fate and providence. For it is the dæmon that
governs the whole of our life, and that fulfils the elections which we
made prior to generation, together with the gifts of fate, and of those
Gods that preside over fate. It is likewise the dæmon that supplies and
measures the illuminations from providence. And as souls indeed, we
are suspended from intellect, but as souls using the body we require
the aid of a dæmon. Hence, Plato in the Phædrus calls intellect the
governor of the soul; but he every where calls a dæmon the inspector
and guardian of mankind. And no one who considers the affair rightly,
will find any other one and proximate providence of every thing
pertaining to us, besides that of a dæmon. For intellect, as we have
said, is participated by the rational soul, but not by the body; and
nature is participated by the body, but not by the dianoëtic part.
And further still, the rational soul rules over anger and desire, but
it has no dominion over fortuitous events. But the dæmon alone moves,
governs, and orderly disposes all our affairs. For he gives perfection
to reason, measures the passions, inspires nature, connects the body,
supplies things fortuitous, accomplishes the decrees of fate, and
imparts the gifts of providence. In short, he is the king of every
thing in and about us, and is the pilot of the whole of our life. And
thus much concerning our allotted dæmons.
CHAPTER XLIV.