No Stupid Questions 28. Why Do We Hoard?
Nov 22, 2020
Dive into the quirky world of hoarding, from stockpiling quinoa to the emotional ties we have with our belongings. Discover the fine line between harmless saving and psychological disorders. Explore how our perceptions of time—past, present, or future—shape our moods and decisions. The podcast reflects on personal experiences with material attachment and the broader psychological implications of accumulation. With historical insights and a touch of humor, it offers a fresh perspective on clutter and emotional well-being.
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Dubner's Quinoa Cabinet
- Stephen Dubner admits to excessively purchasing quinoa without using it, prompting Angela Duckworth to question his hoarding tendencies.
- He denies being a severe hoarder but acknowledges growing up in a household that saved everything for reuse.
Hoarding as an Evolutionary Impulse
- Hoarding may be an impulse gone awry, similar to overeating.
- Duckworth suggests it's an evolutionary instinct to conserve, which is now dysfunctional due to excess.
Trauma and Hoarding
- Dubner argues that severe hoarding is often triggered by trauma, where individuals see excessive value in objects.
- This differs from a general evolutionary need to conserve resources.