Why Do People Collect Things? The Connection Between Collecting and Learning in Public

Why Do People Collect Things? The Connection Between Collecting and Learning in Public

Collecting things has always been a part of human nature. From ancient times to the present day, people have found joy and satisfaction in amassing objects that hold value to them. But what drives this desire to collect? And does the psychology of collectors relate to learning in public?

One reason why people collect things is the search for value. Whether it's emotional or monetary, the scarcity principle plays a significant role. The rarer and more limited an item is, the more valuable it becomes. In the past, our ancient ancestors who managed to accumulate scarce objects were more likely to survive and pass on their genes. This primal instinct to possess and control valuable items still lingers within us.

But collecting is not just about the objects themselves. It's also about the connections and relationships that collectors build with others who share their interests. Collectors often find themselves in communities where they can nurture positive connections and increase their sense of belonging. They take pleasure in talking about their acquisitions and enjoy the bonds they develop as a result. In a way, collecting becomes a form of social interaction and a way to establish a sense of community.

Furthermore, collecting can also be driven by the desire for recognition and social status. People often collect things to showcase their accomplishments and achievements. By displaying their collections, they seek validation and admiration from others. It becomes a way to establish their identity and place in society.

Interestingly, collecting can also be seen as a form of learning in public. When collectors curate their collections, they are essentially curating knowledge. They collect passages, clippings, and quotes that are useful to them in both the short and long term. This act of curating knowledge from various reliable sources allows them to expand their understanding and learn in a public setting. In a way, collectors become curators of knowledge, sharing their insights and discoveries with others.

In the digital age, collecting has taken on a new form. With web highlighters and online platforms, people can collect excerpts and information about topics of their interest. They can find their "tribe" and connect with like-minded individuals who share their passion for a particular subject. It's a place where knowledge is collected and shared, creating a sense of progress and accomplishment.

So, how does this relate to the future of search? Google's Knowledge Graph aims to go beyond words and understand the relationships between concepts and ideas. It seeks to provide context and relevance to search results, making search more than just finding information but also understanding the unknown. As we shift from using search engines to find information to using search engines to find ourselves, the role of collecting and curating knowledge becomes even more crucial.

The ultimate goal of the Knowledge Graph is to enable computers to understand the world like humans do. It connects the dots and reveals connections that traditional search might overlook. It transforms strings of text into meaningful entities and things. By understanding the relationships between words and concepts, search becomes a tool for self-discovery and self-awareness.

In the future, search will be shaped by three pillars. The first is the vast knowledge accumulated from user actions and intentions. The second is the Knowledge Graph, which transforms strings of text into meaningful entities. And the third is cutting-edge artificial intelligence research that pushes the boundaries of what is possible.

So, what can we learn from this connection between collecting and learning in public? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace the joy of collecting: Whether it's physical objects or digital knowledge, find something that sparks your curiosity and start collecting. It can be a way to expand your understanding and connect with like-minded individuals.

• 2. Share your collections and knowledge: Don't keep your collections and knowledge to yourself. Share them with others, whether it's through online platforms or offline interactions. By sharing, you can contribute to the collective learning and inspire others.

• 3. Embrace the future of search: As search engines evolve, embrace the idea that search is not just about finding information but also understanding and self-discovery. Embrace the possibilities of the Knowledge Graph and use search as a tool for personal growth.

In conclusion, people collect things for various reasons, including curiosity, the desire for recognition, social interaction, and a sense of progress. Collecting can also be seen as a form of learning in public, where knowledge is curated and shared. As search engines evolve, the connection between collecting and learning in public becomes even more relevant. Embracing the joy of collecting, sharing knowledge, and embracing the future of search can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world around us. So, start collecting and embark on a journey of discovery and self-awareness.