“When you smell a flower, where is the smell before you smell the flower? Think about that one.”
Art Hochberg's quote invites us to ponder the relationship between perception and existence. The question posed illuminates the nature of sensory experiences and their connection to the physical world. By asking where the smell of a flower is before it is perceived, Hochberg encourages deep reflection on the unseen dimensions of reality and consciousness.
At its core, this quote explores the idea that perception is not just a passive experience but an active interaction between the observer and the observed. Before one encounters the scent of a flower, the smell itself exists as a potential—waiting to be realized through our senses. This prompts questions about the nature of reality: Is the scent present in some form even when it is not detected?
The quote can also be interpreted as a metaphor for human experiences and emotions. Just as we may not always be aware of things that are present in our environment, we can also overlook feelings and thoughts that exist beneath the surface. This calls for mindfulness—an invitation to slow down and engage with our surroundings more fully.
In conclusion, Hochberg's thought-provoking question is a gateway into a discussion about perception, existence, and the essence of reality. It invites us to reflect on how we experience the world and encourages a deeper understanding of the interplay between our perception and the external world.
“When you say, “I’m just gonna think about God,” what are you thinking about?”
“What about when you miss someone? Where does that come from? It comes from love.”
“Really, when you think about it, how can God speak through everybody? Hmmmmmm.”
“Allow yourself, if only for a short moment, to go to that place where you cannot possibly think of one thing that you need to do. Go there and see what happens.”
“Why think about tomorrow today, when you don’t even know if there will be a tomorrow, or if there is, if you’ll be there tomorrow?”
“I mean when you really, really, really think about it, the whole trip is really, really unbelievable.”