In Ennead I.5, Plotinus responds to popular theories on human flourishing, and insists emphatically that well-being belongs to the present moment. Layne analyzes Plotinus' unique conception of the present moment by highlighting his dialogue with Aristotle and Hellenistic conceptions of the soul, pleasure and pain, time and eternity, etc.

"This is an exceptionally rich study of Plotinus's arguments distinguishing the life well-lived (in time) and genuine well-being (which is eternally present), drawing on the whole body of the Enneads as well as this one short treatise. Danielle Layne elaborates and explains the conversation between Plotinus and his predecessors, especially Aristotle. Scholars and philosophers concerned with Aristotle's ethics and metaphysics will find much to debate here, and those inclined to follow Plotinus' lead will profit from her guidance." --Stephen R. L. Clark, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, University of Liverpool "With a succinct introduction, detailed commentary, and clear translation, Layne unravels and explains Plotinus' condensed ideas on well-being and time and puts them into the context of Platonic, Aristotelian, Stoic and Epicurean discussions. A welcome contribution to Neoplatonic studies." --Wiebke-Marie Stock, University of Bonn, Germany, and Guest Assistant Research Professor at the Medieval Institute, University of Notre Dame