In Either/Or, Søren Kierkegaard offers a detailed critique of the aesthetic life. For Kierkegaard, the aesthetic life is one lived for pleasure and sense-enjoyment. This may sound like a good thing at first, but Kierkegaard argues that it is actually quite dangerous. Why? Because living for pleasure leads to a life of inaction and empty pursuit.

Kierkegaard’s conception of the aesthetic life is based on his understanding of human nature. For Kierkegaard, humans are inherently spiritual beings. As spiritual beings, we have an inherent need for something more than what the physical world can offer us. The problem with the aesthetic life is that it focuses solely on the physical world and neglects our spiritual needs. This leads to a life of meaninglessness and emptiness.

Kierkegaard believes that the only way to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life is to live in accordance with our true nature as spiritual beings. This means living a life focused on our relationship with God. When we do this, we are able to tap into something greater than ourselves and find true meaning and purpose in our lives.