Can you explain to me than what the purposes are of the nose and smell?

Nothing a google search can't help you out with. In short, discernment of particular elements of one's external environment and identification purposes. Essentially the same goes for the rest of the senses. But that's just science, not some pseudo-science new age bologna that I suspect you are thinking.

Really sounds like using the nose like an animal.
Humanbeings are beyond only survival. We enjoy things too.
I wonder if there are (or were) any humans who only use their nose for the purposes you mentioned.
I believe the nose can certainly be used to enjoy beautiful fragrances too.

At least I do.
And the other posters above too. :smile:

We are animals. Sure, we enjoy smells. We can also enjoy a sunset. So would you say that the purpose of the sunset is for us to enjoy? Seems a bit egotistical, no? We can enjoy things that have a purpose, but it is erroneous to confuse the enjoyment with the purpose.

Generally, things that are pleasant to the senses promote survival, whereas that which is painful to the senses is usually dangerous. Regarding smell, the purpose of bad smells is generally to do with the quality of food- if it smells bad, we know it is unfit to eat. The rank smell of poisonous gases is also an indicator that one is in danger.

Pleasure is indeed a survival mechanism.

In nature it is.
But this does not always count for humanbeings.
Especially not in this era we're living in, with alcohol and all sorts of drugs.

Nag Champa always cheers me up :)

I don't want to stray to far from my original point that looking for happiness in a fragrance is unwise.

Maybe the OP already knows (and perhaps even found) the source of real happiness.
Maybe the OP just want to try out new happiness-stimulating scents/smells in their home.

So human that is to me. :smile:

ps.
With all respect, I wonder if you yourself use aftershave (maybe even a nice smelling brand), or just plain alcohol with shaving.

While I agree that looking for happiness is never found in the external, there are many things external that should be enjoyed and can enhance your internal happiness, beautiful aromas given to us freely by nature is a gift to be enjoyed. I use oils and candles daily, I enjoy perfumes and the lovely smell of grass and flowers, there is a reason for everything on this earth.

I think it is perfectly normal for a humanbeing to have interests, hobby's and passions.
Those are things that makes us different from "lower" lifeforms.
I, myself, can feel really happy when busy with science and technology (but this is a spiritual forum so I never mentioned it).
Architecture is also a hobby of mine.
Bodily exercise can feel really fulfilling too.

I really don't understand why an interest in aromatherapy can be seen as a pitfall in Life.