Life Quote by Oscar Wilde
““And so he would now study perfumes, and the secrets of their manufacture, distilling heavily-scented oils, and burning odorous gums from the East. He saw that there was no mood of the mind that had not its counterpart in the sensuous life, and set himself to discover their true relations, wondering what there was in frankincense that made one mystical, and in ambergris that stirred one’s passions, and in violets that woke the memory of dead romances, and in musk that troubled the brain, and in champak that stained the imagination; and seeking often to elaborate a real psychology of perfumes, and to estimate the several influences of sweet-smelling roots, and scented pollen-laden flower, of aromatic balms, and of dark and fragrant woods, of spikenard that sickens, of hovenia that makes men mad, and of aloes that are said to be able to expel melancholy from the soul.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde, 1890
Wilde explores how scents evoke emotions and memories, suggesting a deep link between olfactory experiences and the psyche.
In simple terms: Smells trigger feelings and thoughts.
Key Takeaway
Explore how aromas affect your mood.
Themes
sensory perception
psychology
memory
emotion
artistic exploration
Mood
reflective
curious
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- perfume creation
- marketing
- therapy
- creative writing
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
olfactory symbolism
emotional resonance
psychological theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do specific scents influence your emotional state?
- Can you recall a memory triggered by a smell?
A Different Perspective
Aromas can be subjective and cultural meanings may vary.
