The Forgotten Power of Smell: How Our Sense of Smell Shapes Memory, Emotion, and Identity
In a world dominated by visuals, the sense of smell often takes a backseat. Yet, according to Swedish psychologist jonas Olofsman, this underappreciated sense holds profound power over our emotions, memories, and even political leanings. In his groundbreaking book, The Forgotten Senses, Olofsman challenges the long-held stereotype that humans have a poor sense of smell, revealing how this misunderstood sense is deeply intertwined with our identity and well-being.
The Misunderstood Sense
Olofsman argues that the dismissal of the sense of smell stems from ignorance.This stereotype,he explains,dates back to 19th-century scientists who sought to distinguish rational humans from instinct-driven animals. Though, recent advancements in olfactory science have shattered this myth. Humans, it turns out, possess a remarkable ability to detect subtle differences—even distinguishing between male and female fruit flies drowning in wine.
While dogs still outperform humans in tracking scents, our sense of smell is far more sophisticated than previously thought. Unlike dogs, humans struggle to pinpoint the source of every odor, but our olfactory system is uniquely tied to memory and emotion. This connection, Olofsman explains, is rooted in the brain’s structure, where the olfactory and memory centers are closely linked.
Smell and Memory: A Powerful Connection
The sense of smell has a unique ability to trigger emotional memories. French writer Marcel Proust famously captured this phenomenon in In Search of Lost Time, where the scent of a madeleine cake soaked in linden tea evoked vivid childhood memories. Scientific research supports this, showing that many olfactory memories are formed between the ages of 6 and 10—a stark contrast to the “memory peak” typically reached during college years.
This connection isn’t just poetic; it’s biological. The brain’s olfactory region is adjacent to the memory center, making scent a direct pathway to recalling emotions and experiences. “Smell and emotion are stored as one memory,” Olofsman notes, emphasizing how deeply intertwined these processes are.
debunking Myths: Pheromones and Chemical Sensitivities
Olofsman also tackles misconceptions about human pheromones and their role in attraction. He argues that people are drawn to certain smells through association, not biology. For instance,the smell of milk triggers a baby’s sucking reflex,while lavender is naturally linked to relaxation—a principle exploited in perfume therapy.
Another myth Olofsman debunks is the idea of “chemical sensitivities,” where individuals claim severe reactions to specific odors. While 10% of adults report such sensitivities, Olofsman attributes this to heightened anxiety rather than a heightened sense of smell. These individuals, he suggests, don’t need olfactory training but cognitive behavioral therapy to address underlying anxiety.
Smell and Politics: An Unexpected Link
perhaps the most surprising revelation in olofsman’s research is the connection between smell intolerance and political leanings. He found that individuals with authoritarian tendencies—those who dislike strangers, hold negative attitudes toward refugees, or prefer strong leaders—are more likely to be averse to body odor. This aversion, Olofsman explains, stems from an underlying fear of infection, revealing how deeply scent is tied to our psychological and social identities.
The Pandemic’s Impact on smell
The COVID-19 pandemic brought the sense of smell into sharp focus, as many survivors experienced loss or distortion of their olfactory abilities. Olofsman highlights the link between smell disorders and depression, noting that these conditions frequently enough go hand in hand. His solution? Simple yet effective: daily exposure to familiar scents. “Although not everyone has access to formal sense of smell training,” he writes, “hopefully when you wake up and smell the coffee, the importance of smell cannot be ignored.”
Key Insights at a Glance
| Topic | Key Findings |
|——————————–|———————————————————————————|
| Human vs. Animal Smell | Humans can distinguish subtle odors but lag behind dogs in tracking scents. |
| Smell and Memory | Olfactory memories are strongest between ages 6-10, linked to emotional recall. |
| Pheromones and Attraction | Smell-based attraction is driven by association, not biology. |
| Chemical Sensitivities | Often linked to anxiety, not heightened olfactory ability. |
| Smell and Politics | Authoritarian tendencies correlate with aversion to body odor. |
| Pandemic Impact | Smell loss or distortion is linked to depression; daily scent exposure helps. |
A Call to Rediscover Smell
Olofsman’s work is a call to action, urging us to rediscover the power of our sense of smell. In a world increasingly dominated by screens and visuals, reconnecting with this primal sense can enrich our emotional lives, deepen our memories, and even reveal hidden aspects of our identities. As Olofsman reminds us, “When you wake up and smell the coffee, the importance of smell cannot be ignored.”
So, the next time you catch a whiff of a familiar scent, take a moment to pause. You might just uncover a forgotten memory or a hidden truth about yourself.
