"یکی از معدود قوانین آهنین تاریخ این است که تجملات به نیازمندی تبدیل میشوند و تعهدات جدیدی به وجود میآورند."
Quote meaning
The idea here is pretty straightforward: what starts as a luxury eventually becomes something we can't live without, and with that, new responsibilities come into play. It's all about how our standards and expectations evolve over time.
Imagine the early days of the smartphone. Initially, it was a luxury item that only some people had. It was sleek, expensive, and packed with features that were more "nice-to-have" than necessary. Fast forward a decade, and now almost everyone has one. It's not just a phone; it's your camera, your GPS, your music player, and your connection to the world. We can't imagine life without it. And guess what? We're now obligated to stay connected, respond to messages promptly, and update our social media profiles. That luxury has morphed into a necessity, carrying with it a web of new expectations and responsibilities.
Take the automobile as another example. When cars first hit the road, owning one was a status symbol. Only the wealthy could afford such a luxury. But as they became more affordable and widespread, they changed the fabric of society. Now, for many, having a car isn't a luxury—it's essential for commuting to work, running errands, and maintaining a social life. With this shift came new obligations: car payments, insurance, maintenance, and the time spent learning how to drive and navigate traffic.
Think about your own life. Maybe there was a time when having a streaming subscription was a luxury. You could watch movies and shows whenever you wanted. But now, it feels like everyone has at least one subscription, if not more. And with that, there's the obligation to keep up with the latest shows, to not fall behind in conversations, and let's not forget the monthly payments.
So, how can you apply this wisdom? First, be mindful of what you introduce into your life as a luxury. Ask yourself if it could become something you can't live without—and if you're ready to handle the new obligations that come with it. When considering a new purchase or lifestyle change, think beyond the initial excitement and convenience. Consider the long-term impact and whether it's something you'll need to sustain.
To make this more relatable, let's dive into a little scenario. Imagine you decide to get a pet, maybe a cute puppy. At first, it's all fun and games—lots of cuddles and playtime. But soon, that adorable puppy becomes a dog with needs. Regular walks, vet visits, feeding, grooming, and training. What started as a luxury of having a pet for companionship quickly turns into a daily commitment. A joyful one, sure, but a commitment nonetheless.
When we recognize that luxuries can and often do become necessities, we can approach our decisions more thoughtfully. It's not about avoiding luxuries altogether but about understanding the trajectory from desire to dependency and the responsibilities that come with it. By doing so, we make choices that align with our long-term happiness and capacity to manage the obligations they bring.
Imagine the early days of the smartphone. Initially, it was a luxury item that only some people had. It was sleek, expensive, and packed with features that were more "nice-to-have" than necessary. Fast forward a decade, and now almost everyone has one. It's not just a phone; it's your camera, your GPS, your music player, and your connection to the world. We can't imagine life without it. And guess what? We're now obligated to stay connected, respond to messages promptly, and update our social media profiles. That luxury has morphed into a necessity, carrying with it a web of new expectations and responsibilities.
Take the automobile as another example. When cars first hit the road, owning one was a status symbol. Only the wealthy could afford such a luxury. But as they became more affordable and widespread, they changed the fabric of society. Now, for many, having a car isn't a luxury—it's essential for commuting to work, running errands, and maintaining a social life. With this shift came new obligations: car payments, insurance, maintenance, and the time spent learning how to drive and navigate traffic.
Think about your own life. Maybe there was a time when having a streaming subscription was a luxury. You could watch movies and shows whenever you wanted. But now, it feels like everyone has at least one subscription, if not more. And with that, there's the obligation to keep up with the latest shows, to not fall behind in conversations, and let's not forget the monthly payments.
So, how can you apply this wisdom? First, be mindful of what you introduce into your life as a luxury. Ask yourself if it could become something you can't live without—and if you're ready to handle the new obligations that come with it. When considering a new purchase or lifestyle change, think beyond the initial excitement and convenience. Consider the long-term impact and whether it's something you'll need to sustain.
To make this more relatable, let's dive into a little scenario. Imagine you decide to get a pet, maybe a cute puppy. At first, it's all fun and games—lots of cuddles and playtime. But soon, that adorable puppy becomes a dog with needs. Regular walks, vet visits, feeding, grooming, and training. What started as a luxury of having a pet for companionship quickly turns into a daily commitment. A joyful one, sure, but a commitment nonetheless.
When we recognize that luxuries can and often do become necessities, we can approach our decisions more thoughtfully. It's not about avoiding luxuries altogether but about understanding the trajectory from desire to dependency and the responsibilities that come with it. By doing so, we make choices that align with our long-term happiness and capacity to manage the obligations they bring.
Related tags
Consumerism Cultural evolution Economics History Lifestyle Luxury Necessity Obligations Social change
MORE QUOTES BY Yuval Noah Harari
FEATURED QUOTES