No matter how old you are, there are some “things” you’ve collected before, or maybe still collect. Have you ever wondered why people collect things? What is it about owning a set of carefully curated items that brings so much joy and satisfaction? The truth is, collecting goes far beyond simply accumulating objects — it’s a deeply personal and rewarding endeavour that allows us to express our passions, preserve memories and connect with the world around us.
The reasons for collecting are as varied as the collectors themselves. For some, collecting is a way of pursuing a particular interest or hobby. It’s a chance to delve into a subject, to acquire knowledge and become an expert in your chosen field. Whether it’s rare coins, vintage stamps or sports memorabilia, these collections serve as a gateway to explore and celebrate a particular passion. My father likes to collect stamps. Although he was not as enthusiastic as a collector, I bought him stamps from every country I visited. I also happened to wander through stamp exhibitions once or twice. It was fascinating. There is a whole history there.
Collections also have a sentimental value. They serve as tangible reminders of special moments, cherished experiences and loved ones. For example, a collection of postcards from around the world can take us back to places we’ve visited and memories we’ve made. Each item in a collection tells a story, weaving together a kind of personal narrative and emotion. I have sent and received New Year postcards from my friends abroad. It is definitely a joyful exchange. I keep them in the untouched corners of my cupboard. I read them once a year when the day comes. They keep them too. I think it is a nice feeling.
There are many things to collect; from the traditional to the quirky, collections come in all shapes and sizes. Some classic examples are stamp collections, coin collections and antique collections. These timeless collections have been passed down through generations, preserving history and cultural heritage. For me, I collect my diaries, which I have been writing for years. I also have two nostalgia boxes to keep my belongings sealed until I reopen them, perhaps a few decades later. I have always found this idea exciting, ever since I was a child.
Looking at the modern era, new types of collections have emerged in both physical and digital formats. On the physical side, we see collections of vinyl records, vintage cameras or comic books growing in popularity. When I was a kid, it was sports cards or stickers. These collections reflect not only individual taste, but also a sense of nostalgia and an appreciation of craftsmanship. Let’s face it, collecting when we were kids was a much simpler but undisciplined endeavour.
Digital collections have also taken the world by storm. As technology has advanced, collecting has transcended physical boundaries. People now curate digital libraries of e-books, digital art collections or even virtual items in video games. The digital realm offers convenience, accessibility and the ability to connect with fellow enthusiasts around the globe. It is always a pleasure to examine some of the ancient coins that people share online. I recently found a gentleman online who collects passports from flea markets or online auction sites. Just watching him talk about them was an interesting experience. Some of them are nearly a century old!
In conclusion, collecting is a compelling pursuit that allows us to indulge our passions, preserve our memories and connect with the world around us. It’s a personal journey that brings joy, fulfilment and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a treasured collection of beer bottles, a shelf full of unopened figurine boxes or a digital library of NFTs, it’s all about desire.
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