No Stupid Questions 28. Why Do We Hoard?
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Jun 29, 2025 Delve into the intricate mind of hoarding, where personal stories reveal the emotional struggles of letting go. Discover the fascinating world of digital hoarding and its psychological implications. Explore how our focus on the past, present, or future shapes our well-being and behaviors, influenced by Zimbardo's research. Learn the emotional toll of nostalgia and its ties to happiness. Clarifying misconceptions about hoarding, the conversation sheds light on the roles of disposal companies and the complexities behind this psychological disorder.
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Dubner's Thrifty Childhood Roots
- Stephen Dubner shares his experience growing up in a low-income home where they saved anything reusable.
- This upbringing influenced his thriftiness but differs from severe hoarding behaviors.
Hoarding as Evolutionary Impulse
- Hoarding might be an evolved impulse to hold onto things, similar to cravings for high-calorie foods.
- This instinct served humans well historically but can become maladaptive in modern times.
Hoarding's Traumatic Roots
- Severe hoarding often stems from traumatic events leading to overvaluing possessions.
- It differs from normal thriftiness and becomes pathological when items are kept beyond usefulness.
