Antique collecting can be active or passive. Passively, antiques are generally acquired as a result of inheritance. The individual accepts them; he may have no particular interest in them; the items are nice and he will keep them, but a “so what” attitude exists. Actively, as a hobby, whether antiques have been acquired as a result of inheritance and have sentimental attachment or by personal purchase, it is a lively, actively pursued hobby. 

Hobbies can become quite costly. However, good judgement and pleasurable effort often counteract cost. A much desired antique may be high priced, but if one has some concept of the value of antiques, he can decide whether or not the cost is prohibitive.

Collecting antiques can also be of therapeutic value, diverting one’s mind from a more or less set routine of activity, or from the monotony often found in retirement. You will encounter many interesting people when you are seeking antiques.  Consequently, in having contact with these people one has more to think about than himself. It is not just meeting people with common interests that is helpful: it is the mere fact that because of his hobby or interest, he gets away from “self”. One who has or acquires the hobby of antique collecting is a more interesting person, because of the contacts and relationships associated with it, and his home has more distinction as a result of his hobby.