Which of the 5 Senses Could you Live Without?

Maybe my brain is way too active, because the question of “which of the 5 senses could I go without” has crossed my mind more than a few times lately. First of all, I am very fortunate to have all 5 senses, and kudos to those who have to live with one or more of their senses disabled, that must be so difficult (especially sight). However, if I were to have to live without one, it’s interesting to think about which it would be.

Let’s get the one out of the way that’s an instant no thanks — the sense of sight. Not being able to see the world and living in pitch black would be absolutely horrible. Losing sight at this point in my life would be devastating, and it would be hard to feel like ever going anywhere. Again, instant no thanks on this one.

Losing the sense of hearing sounds almost as bad to me as sight. I simply couldn’t live a normal without being able to hear — it would make interpersonal relationships so difficult, and I couldn’t do some important things like driving a car. I also know that I would be terrible at learning and doing sign language, so I’m very much against losing this sense.

The sense of taste is also a must for me as I love to try new foods and cuisines, and who doesn’t want to be able to taste their food. It would be a miserable way to live life, without taste. I love tangy food, chocolate, and beer too much to forego this sense — count me out.

Not having a sense of touch would be annoying, but I don’t think it would be too bad once you got used to it. You could largely live a normal life with your family and social circle and noone would have to know that you didn’t have a sense of touch. The only major downside about this one is that not having a sense of touch would be very dangerous. It would be difficult to know when your body is in pain, and you may not know when you are bleeding or are burning yourself on something hot. This one would be tough, but not impossible.

With 4 senses already discussed, that leaves the sense of smell. I could do without this one. Sure, it is really great to be able to smell delicious desserts baking, the salty ocean in the summer, and bacon. But as long as not having the sense of smell doesn’t affect taste, I’m good with not having this one. There isn’t anything particularly dangerous about not having the sense of smell, that I can think of. It may even be a plus on many occasions when there is a nasty smell I am trying to avoid. Anyways, what a hypothetical this one, very glad I don’t have to choose one to lose!