28. Why Do We Hoard?

In this episode of "No Stupid Questions," Angela Duckworth and Stephen Dubner delve into the topic of hoarding, exploring its potential roots in evolutionary instincts versus traumatic life events, and whether digital hoarding is a legitimate concern. They discuss the spectrum of behaviors from hoarding to purging, with Angela identifying as a "purger" and Stephen admitting to hoarding tendencies, particularly with work-related materials. The conversation shifts to time perspective, examining how individuals focus on the past, present, or future, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of each orientation, with Angela leaning towards future-oriented planning and Stephen favoring a more balanced approach. They also touch on the distortions of past experiences and the challenges of predicting the future, ending with a discussion on managing one's mental state in relation to time and possessions.