The act of collecting is widespread and has spanned across cultures, regions, and generations. From art pieces, to coins, to a random assortment of items that hold memory, the artifacts people decide to collect can offer a unique story about their values and interests. Collecting is not only a hobby that can be done for entertainment purposes, but an essential aspect of human behavior and experience. Psychologist Andrew Dillon even argued that collecting is a fundamental aspect of human existence. Although it is clear that collecting is an integral part of many people’s lives, there are many different explanations for why people collect. 
 

Research across various disciplines such as psychology, art history, and anthropology suggest that the act of collecting is complex and varies from person to person. Some collect as a way to be able to hold on to past memories and experiences, while others perform the act as a way to invest. Collecting can offer emotional support, a sense of belonging and community, cognitive stimulation, and an opportunity to shape a personal identity.  

 

Collecting as a basic human instinct

​

The root of our interest in collecting could come from basic human instinct. In fact, archaeologists have found that as early as 105,000 years ago, in the Kalahari region of southern Africa, humans collected crystals. The archeologists concluded that they were collection items since they do not naturally exist within that area. This also suggests that collecting can be an act of keeping record of the things we own. 

 

Collecting as a way to foster community

​

Some might argue that the act of collecting can be a way to build community and foster a sense of belonging. Specific collections can lead an individual to join clubs or spaces with individuals who have similar interests. Some collectors' love for the object or artifacts comes first and then they find a community of people with similar interests while others may find a community and a passion for their interests afterwards. Regardless of one’s personal motivations for collecting, it can be an excellent way to build community and network with like-minded people. 

​

Collecting to shape personal identity

​

Collections can serve as a unique reflection of one’s personalities, interests, and values. Some individuals may choose to display their collections in a way that highlights their passions. Pieces of art hanging on the wall, vinyl albums placed articulately on the shelf, or even a shoe box filled with artifacts demonstrate a person’s interest. Collections can play a major role in an individual's life, thus working to shape their identity. 

​

Collecting as a way to expand knowledge

​

Collecting can also be conducted in an effort to expand one’s knowledge. As people collect and research, they will likely immerse themselves in the history, significance, and context of their items. This pursuit of the enhancement of knowledge can provide educational value and cognitive stimulation. As a result of this, collecting can be both intellectually rewarding and enriching.

​

Collecting as an emotional support 

​

For many, collecting can offer emotional benefits, serving as a source of comfort and stability. Engaging in the act of collecting can provide a sense of control and order, especially in times of stress or uncertainty. The items in a collection can evoke positive feelings, memories, and nostalgia, offering solace and a connection to the past. Furthermore, the joy found in acquiring and organizing collections can serve as a therapeutic and fulfilling experience.

 

Collecting as a means of preservation 

The act of collecting can also serve as a way of preserving history and culture. By gathering objects from various times and places, collectors can save artifacts that might otherwise be lost or forgotten. This aspect of preservation is particularly significant in the context of museums and galleries, where collected items are displayed for public education and enjoyment. Individual collectors, too, play a role in preserving the legacies and stories embedded in their collections, cultivating a tangible connection to particular periods, cultures, or personal histories.

​

To conclude, the reasons behind why people collect are as diverse as the collections themselves. Whether driven by human instinct, community building, identity, knowledge, emotional support, or preservation, the act of collecting serves multiple roles in human life, underscoring its importance to our existence.