Does anyone else view their modular(s) as something more than just a musical instrument?

I built up a reasonable collection of equipment back when I was actually producing music, but these days most of my gear has been put away and equipment only comes out when a particular inspiration hits me... except for the modulars, especially the eurorack… It's somehow different. It's an all-in-one music box, a toy and a musical instrument. It's a sandbox for creating and experimenting, and sometimes aimlessly exploring. Using it is an exercise in creativity and logical reasoning. It's intellectual and emotional. It can be random exploration or solving to create a specific sound. It can be calming soundscapes or energizing rhythms…. And then there's the constant availability of new modules. For me it's become more of a hobby than anything else, a hobby for the sake of itself, and I'm wondering how everyone else views their modulars?