The shrink is nuts (1 Viewer)

[Kurt]

In the latest Collector, Andy quotes a psychologist who says people enjoy collecting toy soldiers basically because it gives us a feeling of control that we lack in our lives. That’s about as crazy as saying it’s because we had a deprived childhood. Here are a few real reasons people like to collect toy soldiers, in my opinion anyway.

1. We like the subject matter of military history and toy soldiers lets us “view” (in 3D) the history we enjoy reading about.
2. People like miniatures in general, whether it’s a model train layout, model ships, cars or dolls.
3. Creating dioramas is an exercise in creativity.
4. It’s fun to collect things, even if its something as boring as stamps; and a 1/30 scale Tiger Tank from the Battle of the Bulge is way cooler than any stamp.

 

[theBaron]

Psychology is bunk.

 

[Wraith]

Psychology is bunk.

Reverse psychology is knub.

 

[Gideon]

Sometimes a toy soldier is just a toy soldier. Sometimes a thousand toy soldiers are just a thousand toy soldiers.

In my experience, there are a number of different types of collectors - none of which I have seen trying to control a small world except to put it together and marvel at it.

There are the:

- Obsessive types who latch on to certain things and it takes over perhaps more of their lives than it should and that can be a problem
- People who appreciate the style of, say, a classic Dinky Toy car or the fabulous detail captured in figures like Andy's regardless the subject matter
- People who find certain time periods of history fascinating and wind up with 3-d models to further appreciate that history and experience it
- A nostalgia for a place or time in their own past
- An outlet for a skill they have or one which they wish to develop further - like the harcore dio guys on this board
- A professional who uses things like these in projects and then winds up consumed by them and gets to keep them as a "business write off" aka "lucky bastids

I have yet to see a person who needs to direct 2.5 inch troops for something lacking in their lives.

Andy should do a poll before making a statement like that!

 

[jazzeum]

Reverse psychology is knub.

You worry me Simon

 

[bearybones]

Some people want to analyze and categorizing everything to death. That sure takes the fun out of things. I collect for many reasons, but "control issues" are definately not among them. As a child, I loved the medieval era and had a Marx toy castle with plastic knights. I assure you, I did not play with my knights, due to control issues. It was pure fun. I imagined myself as a knight in medieval times. Now, as an adult, I have rediscovered the fun of collecting. I can relive an era of the past that I find absolutely fascinating. I enjoy admiring the detail in the current offerings from various companies. Our hobby of collecting is something we all do for pure enjoyment, to get away from the analytic aspect of the hard aspects of everyday life. To think we have to analyze why we collect would be a real shame.

 

[lancer]

Speaking only for myself (with no deep inner analysis), I have just loved military history and soldiers since I was knee high to a grasshopper, and it is never going to change until they plant me. -- lancer

 

[Gazza]

Personally, I think there is a lot in psychology ... this quote, from the psychologiest Mennigeron, about chess players shows the value...

"Silently they are plotting (and attempting to execute) murderous campaigns of patricide, matricide, fratricide, regicide and mayhem."

Cheers

 

[Spitfrnd]

I collect them because they give me a sense of control missing in my life, or was that "lortnoc", I can never be certain, maybe Simon knows.

 

[debrito]

I don’t believe in psychologist. When comes to psychological behavior / state on mind, I prefer use the terminology of mental condition.

We are just amateurs of history….

 

[lancer]

BWA-HUH-HUH-- I just vant to rule de vorld. -- lancer der great

 

[kilted vampire]

BWA-HUH-HUH-- I just vant to rule de vorld. -- lancer der great

Nein! Nein! I must rule. It must be me. I have rank!

I read the article last night. I must say I felt it a bit disturbing. A therapist would ask why? It seems to me to be a bit of a cliche. I collect for a number of reasons. Fo instance ; the level of detail is incredible and yet I love toy soldiers/glossies Having the figures puts me in touch with the past.
Through the fog of war and mists of time I can be there with my favorite characters; like Sharpe or Brigadier Gerarde or Horatio Hornblower. Or even real historical figures like Napoleon or R E Lee.

Did I have a lot of control as a child? No, but did anyone?

 

[thebritfarmer]

In the latest Collector, Andy quotes a psychologist who says people enjoy collecting toy soldiers basically because it gives us a feeling of control that we lack in our lives. That’s about as crazy as saying it’s because we had a deprived childhood. Here are a few real reasons people like to collect toy soldiers, in my opinion anyway.

1. We like the subject matter of military history and toy soldiers lets us “view” (in 3D) the history we enjoy reading about.
2. People like miniatures in general, whether it’s a model train layout, model ships, cars or dolls.
3. Creating dioramas is an exercise in creativity.
4. It’s fun to collect things, even if its something as boring as stamps; and a 1/30 scale Tiger Tank from the Battle of the Bulge is way cooler than any stamp.

I think sayings like this have to be taken with a pinch of salt and while they may not be the reason for you they could well be for someone else. If you think about it you do have control over your toy soldier collection, you decide how much you have, where you put them, what type of environment they are displayed in, what type of armies you have and who they will fight next. Do you have control over the gas bill, the mortgage, the weather, gas prices etc..... no.

Secondly people may well collect because they were deprived as a child, and now they have the funds to collect those items they could never have as a child.

Again just because they don't apply to you doesn't mean they should be dismissed as reasons for collecting.

 

[theBaron]

Reverse psychology is knub.

LOL!

Dat's a goot vun!

 

[theBaron]

I don’t believe in psychologist. When comes to psychological behavior / state on mind, I prefer use the terminology of mental condition.

We are just amateurs of history….

Well put!

 

[theBaron]

Psychology plays a role, of course, as does psychiatry, in healing very real illnesses of the mind. On the other hand, there's entirely too much navel-gazing that goes on, especially in the generations born after the war. Too much analysis, not enough action.

Here's some self-analysis: I like those periods in the past where people did things, rather than sit and discuss them to death.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Andanna]

In my little toy world, I am in control and every one of my decisions is immediately and perfectly executed. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[Capitolron]

Napoleon !

 

[Capitolron]

.... No Problem Here !

 

[theBaron]

...Napoleon the Fifteenth, perhaps?