The Packrat Gene

My Grandfather had it. His radio repair shop was always crowded with stuff. It was one of those places that had an air of cozy clutter that made it special. My Grandmother was worse. She was always starting new hobbies, collecting stuff and, well, just plain packratting. Upstairs, in the basement, her house held an overflowing bounty of treasures. When Grandpa retired and Grandma got a nice inheritance from her mother they bought a much bigger farmhouse and she set about proving the adage that "the amount of stuff you have will always grow to exceed the space you have for it". Imagine, if you can, a very large 2 story farmhouse with narrow paths between boxes and piles of ... treasures. From the basement to the walk-in attic. And then there was the large barnhouse. Yep, she had a strong packrat gene.

You know what I'm talking about, right? The gene that causes people to collect stuff. To save stuff. The natural drive that tells you to save that extra widget that came with the whats-it because you know that someday you will need it for something. The natural drive that won't let you part with that collection of old papers or magazines or cassette tapes, even though you haven't read or listened to them in years. The natural drive that has you looking for treasures in other people's junk at flea markets and garage sales. Yes, the powerful gene that led to the multi-billion dollar success of eBay.

So it only makes sense that my brothers, sisters and I have the packrat gene too. It becomes competitive and visionary, really. Having all those valuables and projects that will someday lead to wonderful things. My wife has it. At least when it comes to cross-stitch stuff. She must have enough to start her own small shop. My kids have it too. Just look at their room...

Throughout history, you can track the evolution of this gene along with civilization. From simple collectors and gatherers, mankind progressed to an ever higher order ... of packratting. This is a natural evolution driven by society and environment. Starting with food and with tools, and leading to the most valuable items in our society ... priceless collectables. Getting more stuff and keeping it safe is a challenge. It tests organizational, memory, and management skills. How can you fit more stuff in less space while protecting it and getting even more stuff and more space? And then remembering where each piece is, as well as getting the ones you still need? Yes, it is an evolutionary progression that constantly tests and drives the genetic development of many valuable skills and abilities.

Besides, you know that when you need that widget, even if you can no longer find it you can say "I told you so"...