What Motivates the Collector?
The hobby of collecting various objects has probably existed since the beginning of the human race. Collectable items do not necessarily have any dollar value, as someone may consider just about any object collectable. Many academicians try to understand the motivation behind this usually harmless hobby. There is no single answer for the question of why people collect certain items. People have different reasons for collecting different objects. Depending on the persons mental attitude, the reason for collecting varies. For many people, collecting a particular object is just a hobby that they do quite passively. But, there are people to whom the collecting is not just a hobby, but also a passion, even an obsession. It may consume most of their time.
There are collectors who are never satisfied, even after acquiring sizeable amounts of collectables. The collector who has amassed more than 5000 stuffed toys always wishes to acquire new stuffed toys. There are people who have filled up their entire house with their collectables. The obsessive hobbyist is only limited by either storage space or the money.
There has not been any extensive studying done to discover the exact reason for collecting. The future price of collectables is often the main motivating factor for hobbyists. Some use collecting as a form of investing. The value of some collectables may increase many times during a short time span. For the lucky collector that acquired that particular item at a lower price, this means potential profits. In short, many can earn money while still enjoying their favorite hobby. It is not always possible to earn profit from collectables. You can also lose money if the demand for your collectables dies off and you have bought the item at a higher price. The rule of supply and demand is also applicable to collecting. However, there are very limited chances of loss, as most true collectables are scarce and in high demand.
When asked why they collect certain items, most collectors insist that monetary benefit is not the primary reason for their hobby. The most common reason hobbyists give is that they love the knowledge gained by collecting their objects. There are some that claim the reason they pursue the hobby is to build relationships with other collectors. Another good reason is the sheer joy that comes while finding and acquiring the collectables.
Psychologists have different things to say. Some think that the hobby arises to escape from feelings of anxiety and loneliness. Others think collecting is the hobbyists way to control their own world. But, whatever the reasons for collecting, it is almost always a positive use of time. It provides a great learning activity, and is sometimes even a profitable venture.