Much has been written about the negative side of accumulating possessions with authors advocating for a minimalist approach or to “Marie Kondo” your belongings. While there is merit in not having more things than you can use, there is also an irreplaceable value in certain things accumulated over time.
I have a box of stickers I use in my workshops, and a participant looked at them longingly. “I was a teacher,” she said, “and I know what it takes to accumulate things like this. I lost all mine in a fire and it’s something you just can’t go out and replace.” I heard the same lament from someone who said his tool collection was what he missed most from a house fire. I’d feel the same way about my Sharpies-in-every-color or others would feel about their kitchen implements or recipe box. Having the right item for the job is something that amasses over time, rather than all at once.
I think the lesson here is moderation or balance — you’ll drown if you hoard multiple varieties of too many things, but there is value in a curated collection of frequently used items. Choose your accumulation pursuits sparingly and wisely.
