Thank you! This is incredibly insightful, and rings true in the light of knowing very few smells are universally disgusting - most of our hedonic responses are formed by the nurture part of our upbringing.
All that to say - fostering olfactory curiosity may not save us right now, but perhaps would be a part of future proofing.
One thing that puzzled me knowing a bit about this literature about disgust, neophobia (including to unfamiliar smells), and authoritarianism is the bit about fear of disease… sure didn’t play out that the MAGA movement was afraid of pathogens and disease during the pandemic! I chalk it up to the power of in-group ideology overcoming visceral aversions, but I’d be fascinated to hear your take.
Thank you! This is incredibly insightful, and rings true in the light of knowing very few smells are universally disgusting - most of our hedonic responses are formed by the nurture part of our upbringing.
All that to say - fostering olfactory curiosity may not save us right now, but perhaps would be a part of future proofing.
Thanks Hana! And, yes, you can never go wrong with smelling as many diverse things around you as possible!
Fascinating Frauke, love receiving your newsletter! This is food for thought indeed!
One thing that puzzled me knowing a bit about this literature about disgust, neophobia (including to unfamiliar smells), and authoritarianism is the bit about fear of disease… sure didn’t play out that the MAGA movement was afraid of pathogens and disease during the pandemic! I chalk it up to the power of in-group ideology overcoming visceral aversions, but I’d be fascinated to hear your take.