How does the pursuit of ephemeral collectibles showcase the interplay between material culture and human sentimentality?

ANSWER: The pursuit of ephemeral collectibles like stamps embodies the nexus of material culture and sentimentality. These items, once pragmatic tools, gain emotional significance over time, becoming symbols of eras, events, and personal memories. Collectors cherish them as tangible connectors to the past, investing the objects with value that transcends their original function. In essence, this pursuit highlights how human emotions can transform mundane items into treasured artifacts, reflecting our desire to preserve and connect with the historical narrative.