This question drives at the core meaning of the key; why do we use the key? Some blatant answers include: secrecy, protection, and privacy (personal space). We use the combination of the lock and key to enclose items, spaces and even other people. The key then becomes a means of access and privilege. As outlined on the page, What is a key, we could look at the key as a means of identification to a non-human barrier. The installation of a lock and key mechanism nescessitates the use of a unique object (the key) in order to access the space barred by the lock.
The basic reason boils down to an individual's desire to close off a certain space from public access, whether it be a building, a room, or smaller area (such as a diary or treasure chest). Depending on circumstance, the rational behind this inital reaction could range from any number of human emotions: jealousy, envy, greed, embarrassment etc.
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