I think this is largely succumbing to human nature and exacerbated by Western culture. Western culture in the stereotypical material sense. I think arguably, even for some who have "transcended" or just outwardly portray an eschewing of such things, many have just replaced it with something else--sense of adventure, spirituality, some personal ideal or cause, etc.
It's not limited to audio--it can largely apply to whatever that "thing" is that moves a person or what the person happens to be interested in. Parallels can be found wherever you look. "Audiophiles," I think, can be a special, rare breed in the specifics, but in a general sense maybe not so different.
But, some folks seem to have nothing like that in their lives. Lots of reasons, I think, for that. Some good, some probably not so good.
And, I agree with neway317, insofar as familiarity, perspective, and relativism, or the lack of such things, are factors in one's reality and perception.
BUT, it almost sounds like you may be just chasing the glory of the first taste....
It's not limited to audio--it can largely apply to whatever that "thing" is that moves a person or what the person happens to be interested in. Parallels can be found wherever you look. "Audiophiles," I think, can be a special, rare breed in the specifics, but in a general sense maybe not so different.
But, some folks seem to have nothing like that in their lives. Lots of reasons, I think, for that. Some good, some probably not so good.
And, I agree with neway317, insofar as familiarity, perspective, and relativism, or the lack of such things, are factors in one's reality and perception.
BUT, it almost sounds like you may be just chasing the glory of the first taste....