Time for some learnin’! Yesterday I came across this absolutely FASCINATING documentary about people who compulsively hoard stuff, the condition also known as disposophobia (if the video loads slow or you want to conserve bandwidth, click on the “HD” button to turn HD off). It’s a thoughtful and well presented documentary, with the only talking done by the interviewees. I thought it was interesting how the film was ordered in terms of the neatness of the hoarders.

What was most fascinating were the insights given by the hoarders to why they hoard. I thought it was interesting how so much of it is about being in control in a material way (through the buying and hoarding) and yet they are being controlled by the very stuff they buy (I guess that’s what the title of the documentary is referring to). The last segment involving the man who was simultaneously digging through a mountain of worthless junk while talking about his dead mother was chilling to say the least, and quite saddening.

More Links
- Lots of pictures of another hoarder
- Psychology of Hoarding

Such visual insights into the very private lives of individuals whose activities deviate from the norm, makes me feel guilty for being so indulgent in my curiosity. Many hoarders seem to lead private lives, who value their privacy like anyone else, and it seems kinda intrusive and voyeuristic to be so fascinated with their different way of living. I hope there’s a difference between simply wanting to know more about something and actually intruding on people and demanding to know.