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Most people have a collection of sorts. Unless you're someone who is extremely dedicated to minimalism, you might have one too. There are all sorts of collections out there, ranging from museums or historical collections to more personal ones that may include things like cards or coins. The main point is that collecting is a huge part of our human nature, and most of us do it, whether intended or not.
Collections are important in both our personal lives and the lives of those in the future, especially in the case of museums, exhibits, or archives. Things like those span generations, and continue to teach people long after we're gone. For example, collections of dinosaur bones in museums teach us a lot about the past, and seeing them up close and personal is an educational experience. Collections can also include things like antiques, which, if placed together and dated correctly, can teach us a lot about how people before us lived. These are some of the most commonly known collections, alongside art museums, aquariums, and the like. They're all collections with the benefit of educating us on their content, but can also be something for people just to enjoy.
Aside from archival collections are some that are made purely for the joy of collecting. Take, for example, the largest rubber duck collection in the world, consisting of over 5,600 unique rubber ducks. This woman started her collection in 1996 as a way to decorate her bathroom and now has a full room consisting of just rubber ducks. While of course, this is on the more extreme side of collecting things, many people have similar collections consisting of objects that share the same use or category. Think for example, things like coins, mugs, stuffed animals, CDs, and figurines. All of these are common items that people love to collect, whether it be for sentimental value or just because it brings them joy.
Collections range in type, size, importance, and monetary value, so there's something for everyone. Even if what you collect is different kinds of coins you find on the side of the road, that's still a collection. And as an avid collector of many different kinds of things, I think there's lots of joy to be found in doing it. Whether it be a series of objects you can complete or an endless abundance of one specific type, I think collecting is worthwhile to those that it makes happy. Being able to appreciate what you've already gotten and what there is left to get is an exciting feat that can be a motivation for many. Collecting is a behavior that's stuck with humans since the early ages and will continue to stick for eras to come, and I think everyone should be more appreciative of such a simple joy.
I've never really given much though to how people collect things. It's so ingrained in human nature. But when really thinking about it, everyone I know collects things one way or another. I personally have collected old video games and hardware. I used to think it was weird, but putting it into perspective with the woman whose collected all of those rubber ducks? It's fairly normal. - Thomas Loper
ReplyDeleteI love how you highlight the universal nature of collecting! It’s so true that, whether intentional or not, most of us find ourselves drawn to gathering things that bring us joy or have personal meaning. I also appreciate how you mention the importance of collections, not just in museums or archives but also in our everyday lives. Your example of the rubber duck collection was so fun and really shows how diverse and personal collections can be. I couldn’t agree more that collecting can be a source of happiness, motivation, and even education. You’ve really captured the beauty and significance of such a simple yet meaningful part of human nature!
ReplyDelete(Abigail B.)
DeleteI really enjoyed your insights on the significance of collecting! Your example of the rubber duck collection shows how unique collections can be. I agree that collecting brings joy and connects us to the past, no matter the size or value. Your passion for collecting shines through, and it's a great reminder to appreciate these simple pleasures!
ReplyDeleteYour four new entries look great, Emma. Your writing flows well, and you have personality in your writing. Good visual appeal with images and layout. You are developing your content well and working the concepts of rhetoric to connect to your audience and keep them engaged. Keep it up!
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