2 Kinds of Materialism

I've had the competitive mindset in the past. It took a conscious effort to move towards the non-competitive mindset. I'd say that I am there now for the most part.

I like things, and take pride in some of my possessions, but more for the sentimental value of them rather than to show them off. I don't really own anything worth bragging about anymore.

Although, if I consider my book collection as one 'thing', then I guess I am somewhat competitive. I keep books that I know I will never read again so that I can display them on my bookshelves. Part of it is because I like seeing them, remembering them... each one brings back memories of a specific time and/or place. But part of it is most likely also to show off to other people. Kind of a passive-aggressive way of showing how smart I (think I) am.