I think identity is an important factor. Immersing myself in what is familiar
and dear to me can make up for a weakened sense of identity. Since identity is
largely derived from our memories, the fragility of human memory may influence
one to rely on external reminders of one's existence. For those who collect in
consideration of its effect on other people, it may be an expression of
individuality. A strong desire to own more often than not plays into the process
of collecting, but I have no speculations for the reason behind this. I only
know that the desire, once fulfilled, is followed by a sense of security.
On a superficial level, I buy books for practical purposes, and employ a system
for book purchases. Ideally, I will buy a book if it satisfies any one of the
following conditions:
1) Cannot be acquired elsewhere
2) Requires time to read and reflect upon -- more time than borrowed books allow
for
3) Is a favourite, warrants future readings, beautiful typography and cover,
inspires desire to own
4) Non-fiction which I will inevitably refer to from time to time
And only after I have a good idea of what the book is like, either through
reviews or personal experience. Owning books can give the illusion of owning the
knowledge within as well.
3) relates to the interesting question of why I collect wallpapers. Having few
guests to impress, my motivation cannot be expression of individuality. Since
the wallpapers I collect do not necessarily contain elements which are familiar
and dear to me, it cannot be for the sake of enhancing my sense of identity
either. To answer the question would be to explain why people appreciate and
collect art. Do works of art exist to be seen and admired? If so, then do we not
have a right or responsibility to preserve its existence by ensuring that it is
seen and admired as much as possible? Or do they exist out of sheer necessity,
because the ideas demanded to be formed? In which case, art appreciation could
be a celebration of creativity... and the beauty therein.
I think identity is an important factor. Immersing myself in what is familiar and dear to me can make up for a weakened sense of identity. Since identity is largely derived from our memories, the fragility of human memory may influence one to rely on external reminders of one's existence. For those who collect in consideration of its effect on other people, it may be an expression of individuality. A strong desire to own more often than not plays into the process of collecting, but I have no speculations for the reason behind this. I only know that the desire, once fulfilled, is followed by a sense of security.
On a superficial level, I buy books for practical purposes, and employ a system for book purchases. Ideally, I will buy a book if it satisfies any one of the following conditions:
1) Cannot be acquired elsewhere
2) Requires time to read and reflect upon -- more time than borrowed books allow for
3) Is a favourite, warrants future readings, beautiful typography and cover, inspires desire to own
4) Non-fiction which I will inevitably refer to from time to time
And only after I have a good idea of what the book is like, either through reviews or personal experience. Owning books can give the illusion of owning the knowledge within as well.
3) relates to the interesting question of why I collect wallpapers. Having few guests to impress, my motivation cannot be expression of individuality. Since the wallpapers I collect do not necessarily contain elements which are familiar and dear to me, it cannot be for the sake of enhancing my sense of identity either. To answer the question would be to explain why people appreciate and collect art. Do works of art exist to be seen and admired? If so, then do we not have a right or responsibility to preserve its existence by ensuring that it is seen and admired as much as possible? Or do they exist out of sheer necessity, because the ideas demanded to be formed? In which case, art appreciation could be a celebration of creativity... and the beauty therein.