If you are possessed by an idea, you find it expressed everywhere, you even smell it

If you are possessed by an idea, you find it expressed everywhere, you even smell it

Thomas Mann, the renowned German novelist and essayist, was a master at exploring the depths of the human psyche and the power of ideas. His works often delved into the complexities of human nature, morality, and the pursuit of meaning in a chaotic world. Mann understood the transformative power of ideas and how they could possess a person, shaping their thoughts, actions, and perceptions of the world around them.

The quote, “If you are possessed by an idea, you find it expressed everywhere, you even smell it,” perfectly encapsulates Mann’s belief in the all-encompassing nature of ideas. For Mann, ideas were not just abstract concepts floating in the ether; they were living, breathing entities that could take hold of a person’s mind and soul. When someone becomes consumed by an idea, it colors their entire perception of reality, influencing how they interpret the world and interact with others.