But, the acts of aesthetic creation and appreciation are available to everyone, and should be applied to all manner of activities. The entire character is constructed with an aesthetic awareness. This is reflected in an identifiable style, though it is by no means limited to that. Style and substance are united. Character results from a continuous self-examination and an effort to improve oneself in light of theoretical understanding and productive creativity.
Social relations are as much the subject of aestheticization as one s character.
The aesthete brings theory to bear on social practice, resulting in rational and egalitarian social arrangements. The search for scapegoats for the misery caused by consumer capitalism is what perpetuates tribal notions such as racism, sexism, nationalism, etc. Since no group identities are to be accepted as natural, no allegiances are given unintentional or uncritical priority. Race and gender discrimination, nationalism and religious bigotry are subject to the withering critique of this aesthetic optimism. Quite the contrary, it is the only effective and rational environmentalism.