I take your point, it is an interesting one. Pulling such threads all the way may lead us to strange places. However, I think it is important to note that we h

I take your point, it is an interesting one. Pulling such threads all the way may lead us to strange places. However, I think it is important to note that we have been using spices and perfumes for thousands of years. Direct, omnipresent commercial advertising, as seen in modern cities, is an entirely new thing. I'm guessing there was much advertising prior to the 1800s (curious to research this more though). Likewise with social media and good old fashioned social interaction. I think there are many distinctions that are quite important to make when looking at subconscious influences.