What has your audiophile experience taught you about yourself?


So that is the question, "What has your audiophile experience taught you about yourself?" I would think it interesting to know what others have found in an introspective way. This is what I have found.

1. At first I believed in the hype created by over-enthusiastic new gear owners. Most often I made mistakes in buying gear other people liked rather than listening to audio components and picking the pieces I enjoyed.
2. I found more actual enjoyment in listening to my music and my equipment rather than lust after better equipment, much of which is out of my financial reach.
3. I can learn from others on audio sites like audiogon.com. Some other sites are much more geared toward advertising than exchange of ideas and/or opinions.
4. It is ok to want a Bose Wave radio. I once owned Bose 901 speakers in the 80's.
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@elizabeth 
It is not you. There are people on this site who are often wrong but never uncertain. They are smarter than everyone else, never test there theories and will not let facts interfere with their opinions. 
Good points from all. A short story-
I once had a friend (soldier buddy) who went to many of the same mobilizations and countries that I did. He had commented on the food, women, houses, clothes behavior of the people from all the places he visited stating America is so much better in all areas. He made very critical judgements, often stating facts. I mentioned he was exeriencing “ethnocentrism” and it was common for soldiers to do this when traveling abroad. I found over the years he was not interested in being introspective or learning much from others. He was sure about everything he knew about himself and the greater, bigger world around him. I often think about him when I read some comments made by audiophiles. We all can grow and learn, if we want to. If we see the education in that process and the benefit it can provide.
@elizabeth 
I thought your 6/23 8:42AM post one of the more remarkable things I've read here...and I mean that in a good way.  Thanks for writing it.  Apology accepted!  even though I personally haven't felt attacked.  Would that other writers practiced a little introspection and self-criticism.  On balance, I generally enjoy and benefit from your grounded and unpretentious approach to audio.  Yes, the "suffer no fools" attitude is a bit strong at times but not unwarranted in many cases.  There are a few consistently solid contributors to these threads.  You are definitely one of them (at least in my mind).  
Even healthy hobbies can become addictions. 

If you want a happy marriage, give your wife at least as much of your time as you give your audio hobby.

Good music can heal your soul.