Neoplatonism is a philosophical system that emerged in the 3rd century AD, building on the ideas of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. It emphasizes the existence of a single, ultimate source of reality called the One, from which everything emanates. Neoplatonists believe that the material world is a reflection of this higher reality and that the goal of life is to return to the One through intellectual and spiritual development. Central to Neoplatonism is the idea of a hierarchy of existence, where each level of reality is more perfect than the one below it. This includes the Intellect, which contains the forms or ideas, and the Soul, which connects the material world to the divine. Neoplatonism influenced later religious