Either,Or

..

The aesthetic mode of existence is exemplified

by both romantic hedonism and abstract intellectualism ;

both the sensualist and the intellectual fail to commit

themselves decisively and thereby to achieve existence

and selfhood.

..

Only through choise is authentic selfhood attained ;

life is a matter of either/or.

..

The aesthetical way leads to boredom,melancholy,

and despair.

..

In turning towards decision and commitment because of despair ;

the self passes from the aesthetical stage to the ethical.

..

In the ethical stage,

in virtue of having chosen itself,

the self becomes centralized,

unified,

and authentic.

..

The third stage of development is the religious ;

but no stage is suffient by itself ;

the ethical stage transfigures the aesthetical,

and the religious transfigures the ethical.

..