An Argument for Collections

Today is normally (if two posts can be considered "normally") Art Day on the blog. But instead we are going to talk about collections.

Why? Because a friend of mine says she just doesn't "get" collections.
Her argument was that collections aren't useful. They take up space, and unless the collection is of useable things, it is not worthwhile. To paraphrase.
I argued that collected things are useful, for no one would collect useless things, (unless their collection were specifically of useless things, but that is a whole other kettle of fish).

However this did not deter her. So here I am, taking time to think it out further and formulate a stronger response.

1. Collections are useful. 
• Even a collection of bottlecaps or pop tabs is a useful collection. To the collector, at least. I collect pop tabs. I do not collect them because I want to donate them (though I could), or because I want to make something out of them (which I used to). I collect them because they feel useful to me, even if they are not. I collect them because there are tings I could do with them
2. There is comfort in numbers
• People like to have things. Especially a lot of things. In our culture we have been told that more is better. So it fills a usually unexpressed feeling of need for people to collect things, even if they have no practical use.
3. The thrill of the chase
• There is an adrenaline rush that comes from searching for things. Finding that one rare item to complete a set, or finding a misprinted stamp. People are very good at recognizing patterns and get a rush of endorphins when they do. Finding something that is the same but different is a real joy bringer. 
4. There is value in it
• Many collections are, or can be, quite valuable. Coins are inherently valued. Stamps can be worth hundreds of dollars. Even things that are considered worthless (pop tabs, bottle caps) can have value if they are special or in large numbers (You throw out pop tabs, yet a few pounds of them are worth a fair chunk of change.)
5. There is fun in it
• Besides the thrill of the chase, there is fun in collections. Managing them, sorting them, culling and adding to them. They all bring joy to the true collector. Just seeing your collection on display, or knowing you have it can bring comfort to a person in this hectic world.
6. There is control in it
• We cannot control the world. Things will happen that we don't like. But in the realm of collecting, we can issue some control. We decide what we collect, we decide when and how much to add to the collection. We decide how to display or otherwise enjoy our collection. It is a very personal thing, and we get to control all aspects of it.

All that said, I do not believe collections are for everyone. Some people may just never "get" the concept. And that is okay. I don't believe it to be right to judge others; based on their collections(or lack there of), or how they choose to manage them, or even if they have too many or too few. It is another quirk that sets people apart.

What about you, readers? Do you collect things? If so, what? Why?