Does anyone else feel guilty buying books?

  • Thread starter MissSilvy
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In summary: I'm always able to find them again.Buying books is one of my favorite things to do. Besides the sub-par service of the minimum wage teenagers who work the major chains, the whole experiences is fun. Driving with the intent of picking up something that will expand my mind. Getting to the store, and choosing between which publication I prefer, the original cover from the 1970's, or the new 25th anniversary cover? Then, reading it a bit in the store and not worrying about breaking the spine after I've read the first few pages because I know it's going home with me.Yes, books do have a special appeal. I feel guilty when I look at a book
  • #1
MissSilvy
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Why do I feel so guilty about buying books? Textbooks are no-brainers; those are non-optional but even stuff that's 'educational' and related to my field makes me feel uneasy purchasing. I guess it's the way I was raised, I always hear my mother's voice in my head going 'You could just check that out from the library!' but it's not the same as owning a copy and marking it up though.

Am I the only one who thinks like this sometimes?
 
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  • #2
I always feel guilty spending money on anything other than books!
 
  • #3
No. You should own books. I feel guilty when I look at a book from the library, benefit from it, and not buy it. Especially those monographs.
 
  • #4
I feel guilty whenever I spend more than what is required:(.

In last 2 months, spent 600$ buying a new crappy - not much of use -computer (parent's money :cry:) and then spent 42$ buying some led lights, inductors, voltmeter etc (from my pocket so bit less guilt). The guilt would go away, once I make about 500$ more out of my new crappy computer and make something interesting out of that 42$ junk :).

As for books, I would wait for few months before judging how much I spent and how much I got out of it.
 
  • #5
I have many books that I never opened when I bought them. But when needed, I just had to reach into the book case. In contrast, if I had to make a trip to the library I would lose inspiration at the time and not read the book. Probably because of ADD.
 
  • #6
Buying books is one of my favorite things to do. Besides the sub-par service of the minimum wage teenagers who work the major chains, the whole experiences is fun. Driving with the intent of picking up something that will expand my mind. Getting to the store, and choosing between which publication I prefer, the original cover from the 1970's, or the new 25th anniversary cover? Then, reading it a bit in the store and not worrying about breaking the spine after I've read the first few pages because I know it's going home with me.

Yeah. I wish the bookstores around here were open right now. Doh!
 
  • #7
I love buying books, but I also live one block away from the library, so I use that a lot too. They opened a coffee shop/ used book store in the basement, a great place to hang out.
 
  • #8
I have an addiction to books. I always have a book on hand to read and am quit anxious if I do not. I once spent nearly a hundred dollars on used paperbacks. I often feel somewhat guilty but then I start to wonder why I should be feeling guilty about buying books. Books are good. Reading is good. What's to feel guilty about?
 
  • #9
I don't feel guilty about buying books. When I bought my third yacht and realized that my neighbor only had one, I felt a little guilty. But then I gave him one of mine so we would be equal and then I felt better.
 
  • #10
You socialist!
 
  • #11
Perhaps my craziness is unfounded. I will agree that buying books is a thrill but if I buy them and then never read them thoroughly I feel incredibly guilty, like if I invited a friend over to visit and spent the entire visit ignoring them. Now I have to go to the bookstore again, damnit.

If there was a magical land where books were plentiful and cheap I don't think I'd ever come out of my room. It's probably better that there isn't :]
 
  • #12
MissSilvy said:
Perhaps my craziness is unfounded. I will agree that buying books is a thrill but if I buy them and then never read them thoroughly I feel incredibly guilty, like if I invited a friend over to visit and spent the entire visit ignoring them. Now I have to go to the bookstore again, damnit.

If there was a magical land where books were plentiful and cheap I don't think I'd ever come out of my room. It's probably better that there isn't :]
Isn't it called a library?

Some people like to get themselves a treat whenever they go shopping. I just get a few books from the library - no need to spend any money.

The trouble is that I end up with so many library books to read that I never get round to reading the books I actually buy.
 
  • #13
I have many books that I bought 40 years ago in college, some of which I have not read all the way through. Even so, I know what sort of information is in each one, and if I need more of a particular type of technical information, I usually have a book that will give it to me. Obviously some things get dated, but other information is never dated. I am very attached to my library of around 2000 books (down from 3000 before the last move).
 
  • #14
chronon said:
The trouble is that I end up with so many library books to read that I never get round to reading the books I actually buy.

That also happens to me.

I have access to many thousands of books :biggrin:
(
from home:
15 minutes walk to a technical college (not university) ,
15 minutes to the city library - there are about 5 libraries in my city and all connected (many many thousands of books),
university:
about five libraries again
and it has few colleges nearby :biggrin:
)
 

1. Why do I feel guilty buying books?

There can be several reasons why someone may feel guilty buying books. One reason could be that they have a limited budget and feel like they should be spending money on more practical items. Another reason could be that they already have a large collection of unread books and feel guilty about buying more without finishing the ones they already have. Additionally, some people may feel guilty about the environmental impact of buying physical books.

2. Is it normal to feel guilty about buying books?

Feeling guilty about buying books is a common experience among avid readers. This is because books can be seen as a luxury item rather than a necessity. Additionally, there is a societal pressure to be practical and frugal, which can contribute to feelings of guilt. However, it is important to remember that reading is a valuable and enriching activity, and as long as you are able to afford it, there is no need to feel guilty about buying books.

3. How can I overcome the guilt of buying books?

One way to overcome the guilt of buying books is to remind yourself of the value that reading brings to your life. Reading can improve your knowledge, expand your perspective, and provide a form of entertainment and relaxation. Additionally, setting a budget for book purchases and sticking to it can help alleviate feelings of guilt. Donating or giving away books that you have finished reading can also help with the guilt of buying new ones.

4. Should I feel guilty about buying e-books?

Some people may feel less guilty about buying e-books because they are often cheaper and more environmentally friendly than physical books. However, others may still feel guilty about buying e-books because they are not supporting physical bookstores or the publishing industry. Ultimately, the decision to feel guilty or not about buying e-books is a personal one and may depend on your individual values and priorities.

5. Can buying books actually be beneficial for the economy?

Yes, buying books can be beneficial for the economy. The publishing industry is a significant contributor to the economy, providing jobs and generating revenue. By buying books, you are supporting authors, publishers, and bookstores, which helps to stimulate the economy. Additionally, buying books can also have a positive impact on your local community by supporting small, independent bookstores.

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