To paraphrase Susanne Langer; Perfume, like language, is an expressive form. Its parts not only fuse together to yield a greater unity, but in so doing they maintain some degree of separate existence, and the sensuous character of each element is affected by its function in the complex whole. Which means that the total composition is not merely produced by its ingredients but is expressed to our perception through its total structure.

Perfume and its significance is that of a symbol, a highly expressive sensuous object, which by virtue of its dynamic structure can EXPRESS THE FORMS OF A BASIC EXPERIENCE WHICH LANGUAGE, ON ITS OWN, IS PECULARILY DIFFICULT TO CONVEY. Feeling, life, motion, and emotion constitute its significance.

As mentioned in previous posts smell goes only to the limbic system of the brain. That is where emotions, and vision go to as well. That is why that EXPERIENCE OF SMELL IS DIFFICULT TO CONVEY IN LANGUAGE. The limbic system, the reptilian part of the brain, has no capacity for language. The limbic system is suited to convey feelings, emotions and the five senses.

This is why we should take advantage of the fact that smell, emotion and vision are in the same place. WE THEN ARE ABLE TO QUICKLY EXPRESS A SENSUOUS, A VISUAL OR A DIFFERENT FORM OF A BASIC EXPERIENCE FROM A PERFUME TO ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL. This form of communication is infallible.

There is a reason that smell, emotion, vision reside in the same place of the brain. LET US TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS WONDER.

Categories: PERSPECTIVES Philosophical Perspective

ron winnegrad

Ron Winnegrad has been a Perfumer and teacher for 46 years. As a perfumer, Ron has been able to express the world he sees through a rainbow of olfactive and emotive visions. As a teacher, Ron has helped others to see fragrance through his own multi sensorial lens.