On the surface, the idea of owning a unique digital image may seem strange and somewhat nonsensical. After all, anyone can download a copy of the image for free and display it on their own computer. But for some collectors, owning the original NFT is a status symbol, a way to show off their wealth and taste in a cutting-edge art form.

The absurdity of collecting apes or so called "PFPs" lies in the fact that these images have no inherent value or use beyond their status as collectibles. They are not functional tools or objects, nor are they particularly beautiful or meaningful in and of themselves. Yet people are willing to pay exorbitant sums of money for them simply because they represent a unique piece of digital property.

Moreover, the value of NFTs is often highly speculative and volatile, meaning that their worth can fluctuate wildly based on market trends and hype. This creates a frenzied atmosphere where collectors scramble to buy and sell NFTs in hopes of making a profit, regardless of the actual value of the items themselves.

In sum, the absurdness of NFTs and collecting apes lies in the fact that they are essentially meaningless digital objects that have been imbued with enormous value through a combination of hype, speculation, and social signaling.

And yet... so many are forever TETHERED to them.

That is the LARPER'S LAMENT.