The Psychology of Collecting: Why Do We Value Possessions Over People?

Feb 15, 2025

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A conceptual illustration of a cluttered room filled with various collected items like books, antiques, sneakers, and toys. In the center, a person contemplates their collection with a mix of pride and anxiety. The background subtly fades into an abstract representation of the mind, symbolizing the psychological aspects of collecting and hoarding. The colors are a mix of warm nostalgia and cool introspection, creating a balanced emotional tone.

Humans have an innate tendency to collect. From childhood treasures like baseball cards and stuffed animals to adult obsessions with rare sneakers, antiques, or even digital assets, collecting is a universal phenomenon. But why do people collect things? And why do some individuals seem to value objects more than relationships or experiences? For some, c…

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