Another recent thought/revelation is my tendency (to go out of my way) to buy the highest quality tool. This isn't really rooted in so much as having the "best" widget available, I think it stems more from me believing it will impart some of its greatness on me like some sort of panacea and make me amazing. Like buying a $100 chefs knife and being a complete beginner. Or when I played bass and owned an Aguilar DB-750 running through an Epifani 3x10 cabinet.
Maybe I just like niche artisan things, but I am pretty sure I seek these objects out because I legitimately believe they will make me a better person in some way.