The Day Possessions Died
Friday, August 14th, 2009Today, I had originally planned to expand on my posting “iBrick” on how I believe that the content producers need to change their business model to coincide with the new on-demand society since I have received several emails on that topic. However, today is not the day for that. Today, I have something of much greater importance on my mind. Today is the Day That Possessions Died.
I don’t know how many of you are video gamers or are retrophiles like myself, but we have lost a wonderful member of our community today. That man is Luke Morse. Luke has been putting up several videos a day on his YouTube channel for everyone to enjoy for over six months. However, we not only watched for the sheer fact that we enjoyed his content, but because Luke is such a great guy and we wanted to share in his passion for this stuff. However, Luke has now posted his final video. In this video, a normally exuberant Luke has teared down most of his game room, looks completely disheveled, and wants to completely turn back time so that he never made this channel. Why is this? Luke was so lost in his hobby that he lost his wife and son.
Watch the video for yourself:
I have already sent my deepest condolences to Luke, and I suggest everyone take a lesson from what happened to Luke. However, another YouTuber, alecjahn, has posted a video response to Luke’s situation. This video is what has prompted the title of this post. In this video, alecjahn has basically said that all of his possessions are meaningless because they tear down walls that should be built.
Watch alecjahn’s response to Luke’s final video:
I definitely agree with this sentiment, however, I differ on a much more fundamental level. In Luke’s case, and potentially alecjahn’s case as well, I don’t know, the possessions were meaningless. They ruined relationships with a wife and a son, and turned what was once a hobby and a collection into a pile of junk. When these cherished possessions turn into a nuisance, then by all means sell them.
However, the answer isn’t to get rid of the things you love, as alecjahn suggests. Rather, having these hobbies and collections are part of who you are; they’re what makes you unique. (And it gives you something to do on the weekends.) What you need to do is find someone/people that can enjoy your hobbies with you. If you simply sell your possessions, that’s not going to fix relationships. That is just going to make you unhappy. But if it’s making everyone around you unhappy, then they’re possessions not worth having.
Essentially, the best solution is a happy middleground. If you can put yourself in a position where your hobby brings together the people you love around you instead of alienating them, then everyone will be satisfied. For example, Luke doesn’t need to sell his things (unless it will repair his marriage). Rather, spend quality time playing Sonic with his son, and play Wii Fit with his wife instead of making two to three videos per day in solitude.
That’s not to say that you shouldn’t have your alone time/space; everyone needs to be alone from time to time. But just don’t let it consume your life and marriage as Luke has done. This also doesn’t just apply to video games. It can apply to anything: movies, music, shopping, sports, etc. Any kind of hobby should allow you to bring those you love together.
I hope you can take something from these words, and especially Luke’s situation. Again, Luke, my heart goes out to you while you’re in this pain. Stay strong, and like I’ve said before, women may come and go, but your son is forever.