
THE EVOLUTION OF LOVE - THE FIRST STAGE: THE SEXUAL INSTINCT
THE SECOND STAGE: LOVE - CHAPTER I - THE BIRTH OF EUROPE
CHAPTER II - THE DEIFICATION OF WOMAN - (THE FIRST FORM OF METAPHYSICAL EROTICISM)
CHAPTER III - PERVERSIONS OF METAPHYSICAL EROTICISM
THE THIRD STAGE - (The Unity of Sexual Impulse and Love) - CHAPTER I. - THE LONGING FOR THE SYNTHESIS.
CHAPTER II - THE LOVE-DEATH - (THE SECOND FORM OF METAPHYSICAL EROTICISM)
CHAPTER III - THE CONFLICT BETWEEN SEXUALITY AND LOVE - The Seeker of Love and The Slave of Love
CHAPTER IV - THE REVENGE OF SEXUALITY - The Demoniacal and the Obscene
CONCLUSION - THE PSYCHOGENETIC LAW - The Individual as an Epitome of the Human Race
A sweeping exploration of love’s origins, this work invites listeners to travel from the earliest, almost primal expressions of affection to the lofty, almost mystical heights of what the author calls “metaphysical eroticism.” Drawing on ancient poetry, classical philosophy, and a wealth of historical episodes, it weaves together psychology and the rise of civilization, showing how each era reshaped the emotional currents that bind people together.
Rather than reducing love to a simple biological urge, the author argues for its independent, evolving nature, tracing distinct phases that mirror humanity’s own development. Rich with original research and thought‑provoking deductions, the book challenges conventional views and opens a dialogue between historians, psychologists, and anyone curious about the deeper currents that have guided human hearts through the ages.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (540K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Michael Ciesielski, Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2006-02-07
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1877–1941
An Austrian poet, essayist, and novelist whose work moved between literature, music, and philosophy, he was part of Vienna’s rich cultural world in the early 20th century. His writing often reflects a thoughtful, artistic spirit shaped by the intellectual life of his time.
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