"An object in possession seldom retains the same charm that it had in pursuit." -- Pliny the Elder

Thank you for your thoughts Stephen. I guess I don't experience this kind of turmoil because I tend to be mindful of not going overboard on my purchases. Of course "overboard" is a relative term. As a better explanation, I'd say that at this stage in my life, although I can afford to buy a $800 - $1000 pen, I don't have the desire to do so. I do find your reviews to be quite fair and watch them all because of that, and because they're entertaining and fun. But there's one last reason I'm a big fan, and it speaks to the topic of objectivity. I've seen you dump on a pen that's expensive, and glow over one that's inexpensive (even dirt cheap) but writes well. "I'm going to tell you what I like about the pen, and what I don't like about it" translates to, "price ASIDE, I'm giving you my personal assessment of the good and bad." What more could we ask? Keep it up my friend....keep it up.

One time at a fancy store I saw that an umbrella I was considering for my wife was labeled $375. Extremely expensive but It was really beautiful. Very expensive but very, very nice. I considered buying it. On second look I noticed it was actually labeled #375, whatever that means, and the price was maybe $25. Suddenly the umbrella actually looked very ordinary to me. I always remembered that psychological event.

There"s the Diderot Effect as well. Because you have such a nice pen, your display box needs to be upgraded. Your display box looks out of place on your desk, so you need a new desk. Certainly someone who uses such a pen would be refined and tastefully dressed, so you buy a new wardrobe. Someone who dresses so well.... (aka give a mouse a cookie syndrome)

I recently lost my wife of 39 years. Over the past 5 weeks my perception of what is important and what isn’t has changed. I now take into account is my purchase of an expensive pen going to take away being able to go visit my grandson? Take him on an outing? Things like that. I’ll still buy pens, nut not if it interferes with spending time with friends and family.

Nothing to justify. A lot of us started out with cheap fountain pens. Got bit by the collecting bug, fell down the rabbit hole, and now enjoy seeing reviews of expensive pens. They bring us joy and happiness in an otherwise miserable world. If the rent or maintenance is paid, food on the table, gas in your car, money in the bank.... Then buy what makes you happy.

I tend to find that my satisfaction with a product is (generally) inversely proportional to it’s price. Therefore I tend to the mid range of all products, the place where I personally feel I am getting most value for money. I come from a working class background in Belfast, with a father who taught me to be frugal, and this greatly influences my spending. I will spend extra when buying a ‘product for life’, and I don’t experience cognitive dissonance when doing so. Very enjoyable talk Stephen.

When I was in college paying my own way through classes I knew how many hours I had to work to pay for each class every day. When friends wanted to blow off class I calculated the cost and usually determined that cost was greater than the enjoyment. I still do that today. How many hours am I working to pay for a large purchase? Will I feel good about that time when I know how many hours or day I worked to pay for it? Now at my age my salary is much higher than it as in the early 70’s but the calculation is still relevant to me. But sometimes I still just buy it anyway. Oh well.

I teach and research on the connection between cognitive neuroscience and foreign policy. This is a terrific breakdown of key concepts in cognitive science. Well done. Also, for what its worth, after bumping into a few your videos, I just purchased my first fountain pen. _Cheers_

A few months ago I filmed a review of the Pilot Custom 823... a pen I wanted for a long time, and paid for myself. I buy slightly more expensive pens as a gift for myself after I perform a major operatic role somewhere, so it is both desired for use, but also holds some emotional attachment. It was a very positive review, and I wondered if my review was swayed by the price I paid, and my desire for the pen over a number of months. So I didnt publish it. I looked at it recently to see if I should post it, and I had to admit there were things I now disagreed with after a period of time, and once the honeymoon period was over. So I will be putting that review in the trash and doing a new one in the coming months... one I hope is more objective.

These types of videos are just up my ally! Keep them coming!

Stephen thanks for yet another insightful video, I have missed these, as they make us think.

Really interesting video! And I absolutely enjoy your videos about the hobby, reviews and psychology! Thank you!

Very interesting. I enjoy all of your reviews, even the ones where you are extremely enthusiastic. It demonstrates the joy you feel when you find something wonderful. I think it makes you more human. Overall, I think that you are reasonably objective most of the time.

Loved this talk. I just bought a very expensive car which has caused cognitive dissonance and I am using the of course it’s expensive because it’s so nice method of coping. You are a good teacher and I imagine an excellent clinician as well.

Excellent video! Thank you for delving into this.

Very enjoyable video as always, thank you. Good to hear someone stress the importance of a critical approach (which of course is not the same as an attitude bent on criticising). Merry Christmas to you too (hoping Christmas wishes have a fairly long shelf life)!

I like these videos, I'm glad you did another one.

Thank you for this very thought provoking talk. I imagine you must be a fantastic teacher as I learn much in a very brief bit of time.

G’day Stephen, one of your more(even most) interesting and captivating video yet, I didn’t blink watching it. Everything you said is so true and my belief and philosophy is “you only need to convince the person in the mirror and no one else”. I too went through the same emotion process when I purchased my pens, whether they be cheap or more costly ones. It was for me trying to justify purchasing them, more on the point that I can only use one pen at any one time. But then I convince “the person in the mirror” that fountain pen is my passion and hobby and it is all o.k. I have on many occasions use this phrase “life is too short not to have more fountain pens” and am sticking to it. Us fountain pen users are a funny mob aren’t we? Keep them videos comin’

Interesting timing. It's National Fountain Pen Day today. Therefore, I justified my purchase of my first Visconti to myself. Fascinating topic ~ it really is. A thought came to me while listening to you...I like your videos, I listen to your advice, I value your opinion, I even buy your pens, ink and drink your tea (when you used to send it)! This makes me biased with other reviewers because they aren't SBRE Brown and will never compare. I'm good with that though...because I'm grateful to you for introducing me to a new passion in my life. I also blame you for every dollar I have invested my pens. LOL One of my most memorable videos I remember watching was when you talked about your sword collection...like ten yeas ago? Merry Christmas Stephen! Thank you for your time today.

I always enjoy your videos on fountain pens (and things in general). I was pleasantly surprised when I got to the end of this one and you wished me a me Merry Christmas. (How did you know I'd watch it on Christmas Day? Anyway, Merry Christmas to you, too.)

Thank you for this insightful video. I'll keep this in mind when justifying my next pen purchase. Have a good one.

I loved the noise you aren't ever making again. It made me smile!

And a very Merry Christmas to you and Azizah too! :D Oh, and while we're at it and still a bit ahead of the game: Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for your "talk" Stephen. I *very* much enjoy these excursions. Agree or disagree, I almost always learn something new or more firmly plant an opinion already in the process of taking root.

Very interesting food for thought. Good on you for pointing out that biases come with being human. Another interesting thought may be whether a inexpensive pen, which happens to write very well, is comparable to an expensive pen, which writes very well. Sure, for most people _writing quality_ isn't the only measure. For some it is.

Hi Stephen, thank you for your enthusiasm for pens. I have found that the fountain pens which continue to be my favorites are the ones directly connected to being in a place of ‘learning and enjoyment ’ ; a pen show, a salesperson who is enthusiastic about pens, a design that archetypically speaks to me, etc. Our best writing comes from the heart, and a favorite pen can have an emotional attachment . My best, Vernon Mahabal

Excellent video stephen. This is 1 of the reasons you are my favourite pen reviexer

Excellent video!! I’m a graduate student and struggle with cognitive dissonance when I consider expensive fountain pen purchases as well. I go with the ‘I can always sell it’ approach and for the most part, that works out! That being said, I put in a lot of effort to hunt for the best deal I can find, but at the end of the day, if I buy a pen that I don’t like in the long run (pilot vanishing point or anything from Yafa), I can sell the pen and tack up the loss to something akin to renting the pen.

I have to say that was quite interesting I find myself doing the justify game and there have been some pens I’ve wanted to love because of price perceived value etc and I have hated them so nobody is perfect no line of thought completely absolute and over time tastes may change . Love you reviews and thoughtful contemplations

Another excellent video Stephen! Totally agree with you, we have a very hard time being critical of our selves or the actions we have undertaken I.e. purchased a very, very expensive pen or whatever. Similarly to the notion that we always look good when we look at ourselves in the mirror...LOL!!! Anyway as a used car salesman once told me at the end of the day it’s buyer be ware as in you and you alone need to make a decision if the purchase you are about to make is the right one for you because at the end of the day you are the one taking it home and living with it!!!

Here in the states it's fountain pen day which translates into retailers having special discounts, so I've had to deal with this particular issue today. So great timing! It was not one specific pen purchase for me today but the same thing applies to multiple smaller items inks and a few "moderate" priced pens from 2 different retailers. Luckily not nearly as extreme of an example. And I can live with no more unnecessary purchases until I refill my fun money stash 😁. As always great having you in my day today Doc!

Fascinating stuff! 👍

Happy New Year!

Good stuff as ever. Going off at a slight tangent, do you find that if you like the look of pen you want it to be a good writer and are more likely to, maybe unconsciously, give it the benefit of the doubt? I'm thinking of your Namiki Emperor. It's such a beautiful object that it would have been a real disappointment if it had turned out to have a scratchy nib.

Very nice content, i rarely like videos and this is one of them.

Thanks for making this video. I, too have noticed "going easy" when evaluating products I have chosen for myself. The best advice in the video - if you are planning to make a large purchase, pay attention to as many reviews as you can. And don't think yourself immune to the way human brains work.

As somebody who is fascinated by psychology I would love to see you talk more about the subject. Reading Jung and Dostoyevsky has me hooked on needing to know more.

Great video, would love to see more like this bringing in psychological perspective.

Enjoyed this. As a critic of the performing arts, I'm often asked a similar question in re: companies that give me free tickets to attend performances. And I agree that I am more critical of shows that I must see in the course of my job, than I am of shows that I attend because I want to (which, when you cover everything cultural except yogurt, aren't that many). It's all a matter of doing the work has faithfully and fairly as one can, with clean hands and conscience.

I have named my 149 "the indefensible" and still love it dearly.

Beste Stephen, Dank voor deze en de vele andere interessante video's. Ik kwam bij deze uit via het FPN-forum en moest meteen denken aan de reviews van de Montblanc James Purdey & Sons, die ik de afgelopen week heb gekeken. Ik heb jaren geschreven met een Parker (Urban Muted Black GT) om te proberen of het schrijven met een vulpen me ging bevallen. Na de aanschaf van twee Visconti's een paar weken geleden is het wat serieuzer geworden en heb ik afgelopen weekend ook de MB Purdey & Sons besteld. Gelukkig vind ik op het moment slechts enkele pennen echt mooi... Maar goed, wat ik wilde zeggen: ga zo door. De combinatie van vulpennen e.d., de Stoa en psychologische inhoud is geweldig. (Een tijd geleden heb ik Marcus Aurelius' boek gelezen en dat heeft zo'n indruk gemaakt dat ik mijn jongste dochter de 'extra' doopnaam "Aurelia" heb gegeven.) Wanneer je ook nog wat met houtbewerking gaat doen, dan matchen onze interesses helemaal ;) Groeten, Jan.

That was pretty interesting. Personally I watch your videos because I enjoy them as a pen enthusiast, and I enjoy your presentation style. But more importantly, I’ve come to respect your honest opinions. When you’re talking about something that could potentially cost someone else a significant amount of money, the viewer’s ability to rely on the reviewer’s objectivity is YUGE.

Enjoyed your video, really interesting 👍🏻

Good food for thought. Thanks

Thank you for this. I found it very, very interesting.

Dear Dr. Brown, thank you for making us think and let us know your thoughts. I do appreciate and follow your reviews because I feel they are subjective and true to yourself. Regarding this topic: I can understand most of your points just with one point I am not sure, I am not sure whether I missed it or it was not pointed out and I am curious on your opinion: I can see the point that if I am buying a pen (to stay to this example) I do this because I am desiring it for some reasons so I will probably see more of the positive aspects of it in opposite to another pen which I would not buy for specific reasons so I would more likely see the negative aspects too. But what does it do to people if a company provides them gifts? This seems somewhat different to me than a loan for review, still staying in your example here. I like to give an example here: I am working for a huge company and we are not allowed to take gifts from our suppliers. I once experienced that one supplier brought gifts to my colleagues and I saw different reactions; some of them thought this was a very friendly company and liked their gifts and I am willing to say that because of this they would consider this supplier for a future order rather than another unknown company (given they have similar competencies). Myself I was rather disgusted by such a “slimey“ way of marketing and would rather choose another company (given similar competencies). However the reaction has been, in my observation there has been some reaction and I am not sure whether it is possible to not have any reaction. I am curious on your thoughts about this, if you ever should have time for this, given the fact that you already spent a lot of your time for your reviews which I am very thankful for. Since I discovered your reviews, they are the only ones which I am watching every single one of, as they seem honest to me spiced with a good sense of humor and a “slight“ sympathy for Star Wars 😉 Honestly, you have my full respect and I am glad I found your channel! Greetings from Germany 👋

Interesting video, and I like the content. The comment I would make is that there really is another "level" of a sort that really bears mentioning. When you purchase an item for yourself, for good or ill, you attach a value to that item, even sub-consciously. It's not necessarily from cognitive dissonance, and it's not necessarily that you chose a specific item to purchase. It's the fact that you know that you had to trade something of value (an item you owned or money you earned) and you have a starting point of the "worth". This sort of value connection can drive overly positive viewpoints on an item, even when the owner is genuinely pleased with their purchase. However, the opposite is also true. If you're given something (pen, watch, show ticket, etc.) you don't have an pre-conceived notions of value or worth attached to that product/service, and will tend to be more critical in your judgement. This is a well-known issue in entertainment - ask anyone involved in the production of a movie, stage show, musical, opera, etc. and they will tell you that the most difficult audience to please, the harshest consumer, is the person who got in for free. They have no value proposition attached to whatever it is that they review, and thus start on what you might call "neutral ground", instead of a positive position.

I dont know about any of this but, you're a smart person and I didnt realize from pen videos. You rarely talk about subjects that require a seasoned vocabulary but you do it very well. Just something that caught my attention from drawing

Do I hear a psychology channel staring Stephen coming soon?

an interesting and thoughtful perspective

Excellent video very thought provoking.

Very interesting! Lately I'm only into Kaweco Sport fountain pens, especially Ice Sport,- is there something wrong with me?

Merry Christmas to you too.

Loved your honest opinion Stephen. So what if they don't send you stuff! Takes courage to say that on record. Admire that. Also what's the term and solution for someone who goes like a pendulum between the first and fourth state of mind😐 Thank you!

Stephen, I always enjoy your "talks." I'm a retired Social Worker with too many years of clinical experience, so I was pleased to hear your description of cognitive dissonance. Well said. That condition keeps all of us up all night agonizing over issues that are either in the past or in the future. By applying the concept to fountain pen reviews and purchases you may have brought it into the minds of many who are unfamiliar with it or who haven't thought of it for a while. Consider your effort as helpful to public education on mental health! Good job...

Even if I do not dedicate myself to reviews, because I do not consider myself capable, I completely agree with you. What you said applies to any aspect of life, but understanding it is not for everyone. I think that, in addition to the reviews, with these videos you are doing a big favor to several people like us: if you listen carefully, there is the opportunity to learn a lot, besides what you know about pens! I want to congratulate you. You and Azizah are two wonderful people.

Thank you!

Interesting topic. My most expensive purchase was my beloved Pelikan 400, dated 1983. It is worth every penny. But I would not put myself on expenses I might regret for pens, partly because of that concept you disserted on; new to me, btw. But a long-sought pen Will be a temptation whatever the price. I guess that, in my case, a mint Pelikan P30 would set that you mention to my mind. Again, interesting topic. Greetings

Since when did the Montblanc serials change?, Example: MB 7y6b8r9 Is it necessary for the Montblanc resin to be translucent in the light of a flashlight inside ?!

Very interesting talk. I struggled to work out the difference between two justifications of cognitive dissonance ; but the concept nevertheless was clear enough. As a purchaser of many pens i am an expert practitioner of cognitive dissonance and shall continue to do so frequently.😊

I think what you said is very well put. I might also want to add that if anyone feels that they have to justify a purchase like a fountain pen or a beautiful leather bound book or even a piece of art, then they may want to re-think purchasing it in the first place. These items are total luxury items. Or, items that are purchased to feel good when the owner sees them/uses them. If I, for example, experience cognitive dissonance because of these items, then their mere presence in my life is doing the exact opposite of what they should be there for. If they're causing any kind of internal conflict, then it's best to be viewed from afar.

I should probably get get counseling for this. I’m currently between jobs and I ordered a Lamy Safari and a bottle of Noodlers ink. I absolutely cannot afford them in my straights. I guess I just think everything will work out. Thoughts?

Quite an interesting topic, I think it applies to more aspects than price but that certainly is a big part of the conflict when purchasing pens. I do agree with your conclusion, that you can be as objective as possible. I have felt not exactly disagreement or disbelief in some of your reviews, a certain distance perhaps. Like your preference for some Visconti nibs and pens, where I may even agree those are great, but I don't see me getting one. I have thought that if I started reviewing pens I could not possibly comment much on price, most of my pens are old second hand purchases and such. I did have a case of reversed disonance, if there is such a thing, with the MB 149: founda good price, thought for weeks about the pros and cons, and when I got it I liked it a lot and my skepticism vanished, I understood why so much has been said about it. At first I thought the "I can always sell it", but now it is definitively a keeper. Thank you son much for this insight.

The price is more or less irrelevant to me. I try to pick pens based on my values of nib, appearance, material etc and the price is just whatever it is. If it's 10$ I save up 10$, if it's a 1000$ I save up a 1000$.

Thought provoking video and words. Thanks Doc. I'll always keep me in mind, while blowing part of my salary again!! And how about getting FPs reviewed from AI?? Long way to get there I guess!!

re. the greater objectivity with borrowed pens.... might there not be a component of being 'kind' to the owner/maker of the pen which could discourage negative criticism to some extent?

Interesting and profound analysis. Intensely watching the many pen reviews on many YT channels for the last two years, I noticed a bias towards the more expensive items, and I used to wonder about it. I have been using fountain pens for nearly 65 years, and in my view most pens do not deserve such high price tags. After all, the basic material in most of the modern pens is some form of plastic ( euphemistically called superior resin or some such thing). The form, size and shape are also more or less uniform, or similar.. The nib or ink filling systems are also standard. Some Japanese pens are really works of art; in all other cases, they are all made commercially. In my view, their prices are unconscionably , outrageously high. In the end, what matters is how well the pen writes. This depends on the nib, paper and ink. ( ie, not wholly on the pen itself) The choice or preference is basically individual. We can fit any pen with a good nib, and use ink and paper of our choice. I have been using hand made Indian ebonite pens for forty years, and fitted some of them with gold nibs. These are as good as any of the famous international brands at less than 1/10 or1/20 of their price. High price often is due to the high cost of living in the countries where they are made and not necessarily indicative of superior material or craftsmanship. In some cases, high priced pen may help boost psychological self-image!

Very thought provoking. We definitely will have a tendency to anchor our initial impression of something to the cost or perceived associated status. I have also , as others here have said, lost some enthusiasm after a purchase is made. I slightly disagree with the idea that receiving a gift (of any kind including being lent something of value) has no influence on a review. Gift giving/ receiving creates an obligation in most cultures and this reflex is very strongly ingrained in us. It doesn’t mean it’s the only influence, but it is an influence and has been well studied.

Happy Halloween!

Great video

Cognitive dissonance. I just remind myself that I'm going to be dead someday anyway. 😂🤣😂 Merry Christmas to you!

Thanks Stephen for this video, but the sound isn’t very clear

Nice discussion on post purchase dissonance/buyers remorse. That’s why expensive pen companies should follow up with a small mailed item to lessen the stress much like an automobile manufacturer mailing me a fuel card or some swag for the automobile like coffee cups, or a hat....it all helps and increases product loyalty. I sure hope Pelikan, Visconti, Montegrappa, Parker, and others would get us on a mailing list and enhance the relationship with some enhanced product loyalty mailings. I would love the life time warranty to come back also :)

I have to say that I have been there and naught that pen. It is beautiful and a joy to hold but just doesn’t write as well as I thought it would. But i still love it and will get the nib doctored.

Excellent video and excellent angle - from psychological point of view (naturally, when high priced item is considered, and limited budget available, there will be some mind bending). Personally, when I spend a lot of money on a pen, I tend to be overly subjective and deny it's flaws. Even when the flaws are so obvious. To the point - I would rather justify keeping it than selling it. It is much easier for me to recognize "flaws" of a pen I would not spend money on. Perhaps the only thing I have learned so far is to be much more careful when deciding on spending $$$$ on a pen. I delay the purchase and decision. I paid $$$ for Sailor KoP, and I'm annoyed by the limited ink capacity - yet I'm thinking about ebonite version... or urushi. Luckily I have never went for Wahl Eversharp, although I was almost 100% sure I'll buy it. That would be a good exercise in justification. Just as an example.

Wonderful and professional analysis, once again and as always! If I am not mistaken, I have just been influenced by my cognitive dissonance. But it did not make me compliment your great vedio work, although it has enhanced my viewpoint on the quality of your vedioes. It was the quality of your discussions and analyses of fountain pens and the relevant issues that made me admire your vedio works very much. I hope I am not wrong about the cognitive phenomenon. :D

This is awesome! Wisdom and food for thought! Some advice..... Be wary of being critical of any pens that Azizza gives you! Lol!

In my mind, if you are interested in something, you research it - the process and each individual component. Then, when you know how it's made, how every aspect of the item compares to other items and at what price, you can put your own price to things. If your price matches the price provided, then the purchase is fully justified, thus no dissonance.

I think it’s not so much staying objective all the time, but of being able to saparate objective judgement from subjective judgements. For example, I like it when a reviewer is super excited about a pen and just talks about their passion for said pen, even though that is subjective.

I get round this by having a pen jar which is used to save up for a specific pen I want. It takes longer to buy but I don’t feel the impact of an expensive purchase as keenly. The only justification I need therefore is that I wanted the pen so saved up and bought it. Rabbit holes avoided.

I don't need to suffer from cognitive disorder, I can always refer to several psychological issues and disorders like my impulse control disorder ^^ But you pretty much confirmed what I always have been thinking because I observed those strange behaviors to settle my cognitive dissonance forever. For example I find myself watching and reading lots and lots of reviews even and especially when I already made the purchase :-D And I know I'm not the only one. I would guess you can divide the cumulated watch count of all reviews existing on KZfaq into three groups: 1. 'I never even would seriously consider buying this product because I'm barely interested and in 10 minutes will have forgotten what I just watched' 2. 'I really want to make a purchase and I want to make it a somewhat informed decision' 3. 'I already bought the product and want to hear great things other people have to say about my brilliant purchase decision'

Stephen, I seem to find myself often in agreement with you in your discussion videos as I do here. As an older gentleman, I have spent a lifetime justifying myself, what I do or say. I have come to learn that If I have to justify an action, it was very likely the incorrect action that I pursued. By justifying was I trying to control another persons expected response? Was I trying to ease my own feeling of guilt or shame? Was I insecure about my action and desired another's validation? I could go on and on. I was fascinated by this topic and really enjoyed the content. Definitely 14 minutes of my life that I do not have to justify. Be well sir.

Stephen, First & foremost, thank you for this video topic-discussion. There is no doubt that such considerations are in the minds of many of (your) audience. I’d like to relate a personal experience from my early childhood. We (as a family) had very little in the way of material goods; the primary ethos being: ‘Make do & mend’, & for the best part, we ascribed to, primarily because we had no choice in the matter. In latter years - as many people do - I worked hard, earned my first, then second medical degree, became a physician, then, my apical qualification - a PhD (two doctorates). As a professional, I would concur with Richard T, I have sufficient moneys to purchase high-end writing implements, but similarly, choose not to. Coming from such a lowly background, I have always maintained a common-sensical approach to the purchase of anything material, & whilst I am an avid fan of your reviews, I will not (as a rule) make snap-decision purchases - not because i am frugal per se - rather more, my priorities (based upon the aforementioned, “common sense”) are paramount. Of course, my situation may be entirely different to say, a single individual, who can readily afford - & have that disposable income which will facilitate said buying power. For me (at least) the decision is clear, ergo, I put food on the table, clothes on my son’s back, pay my taxes & utilities; as a family, we live in a modest residence - so whilst the temptation to buy something that ( I ) would like is strong, I always demur to the pragmatics & practical aspects of life; & this I see as reasonable. I’ll give you a prime example: Your review of the Pelikan M800 Souveran ‘Burnt Orange’ fountain pen, some three years before - I’d only watched this earlier in the year (2018) - a beautiful instrument, & very desirable it was too (I have a particular penchant for Pelikan scribes). Now, rather than source that model (there were none left in the UK market at this time) immediately, I put a small sum away each month, & , found a seller in Spain, with a brand new Burnt Orange for sale. It took eight months to save for same, but the reward was more than measureable - it was very satisfying - because I’d fallen back on that childhood teaching: “Save for what you desire - you’ll appreciate it all the more”, & more importantly, a lesson in patience, economics, & the necessity to put others’ needs before one’s own (Sure, that all sounds rather sanctimonious - but the Vatican haven’t called me up for a potential Canonisation !! ;D ). There have been many of your overviews that feature expensive fountain pens - but whether they be costly, or bargain-basement prices - your rationale is solid, objective (for the most part), & absolutely reasoned. In truth, many of those ‘Grail’ pens you demonstrate to us, I wouldn’t give you tuppence for - & in many cases, you echo those very same thoughts -but subtly. Naturally, it is easy to say all this, & to a degree, harder to implement (the “human condition”). My raison detre (& thereby actions) will always place people before my own personal wonts - & why I became a doctor in the first instance: Family, friends, & the needy take precedence, every time. This scenario only applies to some - & if you can ‘justify’ the outlay - do it (so long as your kin do not have to suffer because of it). In the greater scheme of things (global), humankind, sadly, falls short of the mark - & that’s an unfortunate reflective indictment. I think your presentations are excellent - there’s a no quibble guarantee that you deliver - each & every time, & clearly, there’s no amount of influence from the suppliers that will determine (your) findings. You’re definitely your own man. The lady/gentleman commentator responsible for (this) video has made a fine point - we (as consumers) are bombarded daily with such delicious items - but in hindsight - no amount of justification, adjunct propositions (to satisfy oneself), or other motivations (& they are appreciated in the context in which they are presented) shall influence (this) man. Thoroughly engaging material, my friend !! :D

Hello Stephen!! Love this video, it rings a lot of bells inside my head... and on some purchases I made. Anyway, have you ever read a book by Barbara Tuchman called " The march of folly"?? It is my favorite book of all times, and talks a lot about cognitive dissonance on government, wich is always a cause of concern, and has been the NORM on government throughout history, and not the exception. I think you would love that book.

Dear pen therapist. I like your reviews and have been following you for a while now. I don’t mean to be funny, but one of the main reasons I like to watch you is precisely because of your particular brand, the SBREBROWN brand, of subjectivity. I have come to like the way that you have come to structure your reviews, the language you have developed to talk about pens, and your personal compass of preference. Yes, you point out when a pen works well or, conversely, when it is poorly made - even faulty or downright crap. Some might feel, and not without reason, that you have created a measure that can be defined as one of objectivity. Just a thought!

Perfect timing, as I just placed an order for a Pelikan M1000 with Appelboom before watching this video. I couldn't resist with their 18% discount for Fountain Pen Day. This is in addition to a Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age I have coming from another dealer. Then when i checked my credit card balance I saw the other charges I had racked up and forgotten, with the bill due in a little over a week. That's when that cognitive dissonance kicked in and I got that queasy feeling in my stomach. But then I realized it's all good since I plan on winning the lottery. 🤪

Thank you, Stephen, for another excellent video. Whenever I make a purchase, I ask myself if I need it. That being answered, I ask myself if I want it. Anyone who has purchased more than two pens has passed over the limits of need, and is now in the area of want, or desire. And if you buy a pen that costs more than a Pilot Metropolitan, or a Lamy Safari, you are no longer buying the pen that you need to write with, but rather the pen that you want. Perhaps you did so because you wanted one with a gold nib, or a particular design, or any other criterion. Whatever the reason, you don’t need it-you want it. And that’s ok. You are allowed to buy the “hyacinths that feed thy soul.” No one is permitted to tell you that you can’t. So go out and buy that expensive pen, recognizing that “expensive” is a relative term. But if it gives you joy to own it, then please enjoy it. And thank you to Stephen for bringing up the issue and for telling us that it’s perfectly fine to buy an expensive pen.

Fascinating discussion Dr. Brown! Cognitive Dissonance 1957 term coined by Leon Festinger. Holding two opposing ideas at once causing psychological stress. On one hand, you spend a lot of money on a fountain pen. On the other hand, you blew an entire month's salary. How does one reconcile these two diametrically opposed concepts, mentally?

Dr. Brown, this was very interesting. I find phycology very interesting but I don't have much training in it (couple classes). I find the motivations of people and how their culture influenced their behavior very interesting. But I digress. Here is my questions on cognitive dissonance and let's continue the expensive pen premise. If 'Joe' buys another very expensive pen is about the same price and maybe a third. Do the repeated actions desensitize the cognitive dissonance or does the stress increase? Does the repeated feeling of excitement of a new pen reduce the bad feeling of 'omg that pen cost so much' or does this fit into one of the methods of the doctor that you mentioned (sorry I forgot his name). Whatever the case, thank you for an educational break. BTW, I agree your comments about reviewers being more critical about pens they were sent.

Regarding the cognitive dissonance issue, I evaluate every item in the ratio of _bang for my buck._ My approach is very utilitarian. When I commit to a purchase of something expensive, I've already gone through the process of justifying it and am less likely to regret it later. No flash-sale, once-in-a-life opportunities, thank you very much. And if I do get lose the connection to something I already own, it goes to sale again - to someone who may care for it more.

Thank you, Dr. Brown! That was a fascinating and important talk.---I was reminded of the 1940's song "When You Get What You Want You Don't Want it No More". Also I once heard a TedX speaker (on You Tube) who became a minimalist say, "The thrill is the chase", and I found that to be true for me. Once something is literally or figuratively in my grasp the excitement drops or soon will.---Something that I'd like to suggest when someone is considering a big purchase is to ask, "How many hours did I have to work to earn the money for this? Should this money be spent on bills or groceries or rent to assist someone else?" I'd also like to suggest that if someone wants to buy an expensive, for them, pen or even something else, to regularly put some money aside for it, make it part of the budget. Maybe even do some extra work to earn the money. I'm in a good situation: I work at a university and this evening before watching your video I found 11 pens! (P.S. : I'm going to look for your other videos that deal with pen-related issues and I hope you will make more in the future.)

Cognitive dissonance is always an interesting topic. I witnessed an excellent demonstration of the spectrum of coping strategies on display a couple of months ago while reading a thread posted on a forum on the Fountainpennetwork. The original poster asked how much did members on that website think that they had spent on fountain pens, etc. in total. Most of the posters actually had a fairly good estimate of what they had spent, and others knew to the penny, and nearly all of them posted an actual amount spent. The amounts spent ranged substantially, and responses were accompanied by a variety of emotions, with some being angry, embarrassed, shocked, or regretful, some with pride, and still others expressing pride in the joy they had derived from having only spent modestly. All in all, the responses seemed genuine and honest, particularly those who expressed shock or embarrassment when they actually did an accounting. The most interesting thing, however, was the conspicuous paucity of responses rom the most highflying members. These were the members who worshipped particularly at the altar of a penmaker famous or infamous for the cost of its pens, who collectively have generated threads with 100 fold number of posts compared to almost any other threads on the forums there. Only one of that exalted company dipped a toe into the thread, cautiously and vaguely saying that he “probably spent relatively as much” as any other person who collected pens. Clearly this cadre of members were uncomfortable enough with their dissonance, that they chose to remain within the confines of their own threads. There they could marshall their forces around themselves, a kind of perpetual motion machine that is devoted to generating enough white noise to drown out the dissonance.

Funny that my most hated pen in my collection is almost the most expensive. It was expensive to buy, it had bad nib, repair was expensive and long and it never wrote or fit in my hand very well. I almost never use it but cannot get rid of it. When I spend large sum of money on something, I am more critical of it.

2:45 That's funny, I call that doublethink

This was just the kind of Pen Talk that I enjoy. I also get the chance to learn a bit of psychology...LOL. I think another example of the cognitive dissonance would be having spent a whole months salary on a pen you can convince yourself that it won't be worth buying any other pens in the future. The thought being that 'I have reached pen nirvana'. I am not sure about your own approach to reviewing but would imagine you are justified in being more critical of expensive pens and perhaps a little forgiving when it comes to $5-$10 pens? Both, surely, cannot be judged by the same standards. The reality of the law of diminishing returns would suggest to me that some buyers (not necessarily reviewers) of fountain pens will convince themselves of the superiority of their $2,000 pen over a really good $200 pen. Is the $2000 pen ten times better? Probably not. My own personal situation is slightly different. I still consider myself a 'newbie' at using fountain pens. I haven't bought any expensive pens (yet). Certainly none costing a months salary, not even a weeks salary. Basically I like fooling around with cheap fountain pens, and that's ok. I don't write all day long, some days not at all, so why would I cause myself stress, anxiety and inner conflict trying to justify something out of my price range? On the other hand, being interested in sound recording, I have spent more on one microphone than my entire pen and ink collection put together! Finally, Stephen, I wouldn't want to be late in wishing you and Azizah a Merry Christmas. Today is November the Third!!!!

A very interesting video. This then leads on to the question.........how many people make purchases of all kinds of items based on reviews they have watched or read, and then regret that purchase afterwards 🤔🤔🤔🤔

‘Buyers remorse’ the term we WIS use

I find it that, when reviewing a pen, we should be honest, respectful, objective and kind. And whenever watching a review, we should apply critical thinking.

Good video, I think one way to mitigate biased reviews on a pen one has purchased is to review it after a period of time using it exclusively and then comparatively. As an example a Davina by Visconti could be looked at as a stunning work of art in itself might have an initial boost in Dopamine, because you got your grail pen. Letting the initial wow fade off and committing to usage would find flaws in the pen or times that it does not just work for you. I find unboxings rather useless for pens I want to write with. There is a certain “Apple girl KZfaqr” who flips out on every Apple product she reviews. Mainly starting with the unboxing. I did specifically say write with as I personally look at some as artwork. I might never write with them as I look at the design and craftsmanship of the pen to be on a level which I want to keep it pristine and pass it down to my kids. But that is a different topic.