From the lighter side- Knife Collectors Anonymous
Collecting: An Unruly Passion
Why do you collect? What is it that one gains from collecting (other than a bunch of stuff)?
Have you ever looked into the psychology of collecting? You know the- why folks collect, where the passion comes from, and what they feel once they have acquired their latest find.
Well, I have, so allow me to share some of what I discovered. I think you will enjoy learning a bit about yourself. I know, most men don’t like introspection one bit, but it is generally good for the soul, so come on stay with me on this.
A case has been made for the establishment of a chapter of the Knife Collectors Anonymous.
Some years ago I was looking for books on collecting. I wanted to find interesting information on collectors and items that are collected, and info about the “cycles of value and trends” of a given object. Sounds like exciting reading doesn’t it?
Well I ran across a book called COLLECTING: AN UNRULY PASSION-Psychological Perspective by R. Muensterberger. I thought it sounded very interesting, as I have always had an interest in psychology, and with the combination of collecting, it was right down my alley.
WARNING- THIS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART, PREGNANT WOMEN, OR PEOPLE THAT TAKE THEMSELVES TOO SERIOUSLY ☺Talk about DEPRESSING!! I couldn’t believe what I was reading… I wanted to share a quick snippet with you.
“Certain aspects of human conduct seem at first glance not to all exceptional or mysterious. Yet on closer inspection we can see that they can be quite perplexing and not easily understood. One such trait is collecting. Collectors themselves-dedicated, serious, infatuated, beset-cannot explain or understand this often all-consuming drive, nor can they call a halt to their habit. Many are aware of a chronic (yes, you read that right he used the word chronic. Can you believe that! SK) restiveness that can be curbed only by more finds or yet another acquisition.”
Then the writer closes out the first chapter with “I have followed the trail of these emotional conditions in the life histories of many collectors. They reveal the need of the phallic-narcissistic personality. We see them as show offs of all kinds. They like to pose or make a spectacle of their possessions. But one soon realizes that these possessions, regardless of their value or significance, are but stand-ins for themselves. And while they use their objects for inner security and outer applause, their deep inner function is to screen off self doubt and unassimilated memories.”
Hit me below the belt will you…this Muensterberger guy must have been someone who was outbid at the last minute on eBay (a victim of being sniped). Had this dude called me I would have told him upfront that I was nuts and saved him a lifetime of studying to try to figure that out.☺
Like I said, anyone here interested in joining the ET.com chapter of Knife Collectors Anonymous?
August 5th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Scott,you think the next time my wife wants me to go to some function with her,that I`m not that crazy about going to, I could get by sending an old toenail as my stand-in?I`ll tell her his Herman Munster guy said I was sick.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:12 am
That is good.
Hey, I looked up “phallic-narcissistic” and WOW- it is really bad. Check this out (as taken from Sociopathic Style™):
Phallic Narcissistic Personality
“This is a person who is a perfectionist and who is very concerned about self-image. They are fairly reality based and can be quite successful. They often have to be right. Their grandiosity is held in check to a great degree by the reality of their accomplishments. They are often driven to succeed and are often seen as successful. Sexuality for these individuals is based on proving their own sexual attractiveness and their power is derived from the kind of person they can conquer sexually and often by the number of people they can conquer sexually. Life is seen as a problem to be conquered with physical skill and mental prowess.
They do not live through relationships of the heart and have a difficulty truly loving. Their image of self is as a lover and sexual conqueror but not as one who loves. People relating to them will not feel loved and often will feel judged and inadequate.”
Now, how ugly is that!
August 5th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I didn`t know buying a few knives could cause such an illness.I`m possibly not so deep that I could be cured.But I`m pretty sure you are screwed.
August 5th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Now that is FUNNY