9 Sep 2022

171

The Psychology of Possessions: Why We Attach to Things

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Academic level: College

Paper type: Essay (Any Type)

Words: 522

Pages: 2

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Human beings have a tendency of getting attached to objects that bring out a certain aspect of themselves. The items of significance hold an emotional connection to the person and in many cases happens to be the key to enabling people to overcome various experiences. Because of these items of value existing from time immemorial, throughout history, you might find about items dear to states, kings and individuals alike that facilitated in the harmonious existence of a people. This paper is going to tackle the momentousness of possessions and the psychology behind it basing its arguments on the book the things they carried by Tim O’Brien. 

The heart has a funny way of expressing itself, it wants what it wants. A chattel as small as it may appear stands to be of impeccable value to a person. It may be the only reason why a person is who he is and should the item happen to be confiscated from them, the results might turn out to be catastrophic. That is why in rehabilitation centres, the victims are advised to carry with them their most valued items to help them through their addictions. Tim O’Brien alludes to this when he tells us about one Henry Dobbins who carried around his girlfriend’s pantyhose wrapped around his neck as a comforter (O’Brien, 1990, pg. 9). Despite how one might view the item to be of less significance, to others it might mean the world. 

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Items have been used since the beginning of time as a media via which covenants and agreements have been bonded. In this perspective, commodities are viewed as the tools by which deals get done, as a source of acknowledging the validity of the agenda between the involved parties. In the case of Lieutenant Cross, the breast pocket sent by her girlfriend from miles away via mail (O’Brien, 1990, pg.8) is a symbol of her utmost true feelings for him. The above statement is a likely indication that the piece of the shirt is the piece of the puzzle confirming the affection that the lady has affection for the lieutenant. 

The structural composition of every human differs from the other, as such so do the preferences to things. One man’s meat might turn out to be another man’s poison. The author shows this to us when he tells us of how during an ambush Rat Kiley carried brandy for comfort and Ted Lavender brought his starlight scope (O’Brien, 1990, pg.9). The above statement is a likely indication of the difference in the preference of items. In addition to that, the items required for carrying out various activities differ with the activity at hand. For tedious undertakings, heavy equipment is best suited while lighter paraphernalia is best for lighter duties. Therefore the equipment employed is chosen in accordance with the gravity of the activity at hand. The author confirms this tells us of other missions being more intricate and requiring special equipment (O’Brien, 1990, pg.9). The above statement is a likely indication of the suitability of the work items to the work to be done. 

In conclusion, various items exist in this world for various different purposes. As such while we are on the path of soul searching, individually inquiry from within the components that make up your being needs to happen, Have I found that which brings out the joy in me? Have I found my item of satisfaction? 

Works Cited 

O'Brien, T. (1990). The things they carried: A work of fiction. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 

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StudyBounty. (2023, September 14). The Psychology of Possessions: Why We Attach to Things.
https://studybounty.com/the-psychology-of-possessions-why-we-attach-to-things-essay

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