Aether and Hydaelyn

[Enkidoh]

Well, after finally getting all Disciples of War and Magic to 50 and doing the final level 50 MNK Job quest, some interesting information about the exact nature of aether was mentioned which I thought was worth mentioning here (spoilered for those who haven't yet levelled MNK)

Erik: "The vital energy of Hydaelyn, that which is called aether, is one and the same as the life force in which you monks believe. As the centre of our world, these Silvertear Falls are connected to what you call chakra in an inexplicably profound way."
Erik: "We all share in the same existence. We are neither separate nor distinct from the world. Our energy and it's energy are one."
Erik: "At times, that energy may wreck havoc and destruction, but it plays a far grander and more significant role."
Erik: "To bring forth life! As part of this world, you must endeavour to do the same."

So that basically shows that aether, is not just 'life energy', it's more a state, an underlying existence that life flows through, and which the world and all life on it is connected through. This also explains how aether can be corrupted, as 'good' and 'evil' are just moral concepts which are just different sides of the same coin. Or at least, that stuck-up Ala Mhigian researcher certainly thought so.