Luxuries Or Needs

However, as they become more common and newer technologies become available, they become more affordable. How the market places a price on these products also greatly affect the transition of a luxury to necessity. Take for example cellular phones. Before only the upper class have them. This is because they were the only ones who can afford them. Now, these handy phones are very common and there are a lot of models being invented. Phones now have colored screens, cameras, radios, mp3 players, and even Internet access. Because of these innovations, a basic cell phone now costs very cheap. There are also camera phones that are more affordable now because there are newer models being released. Because of this many, especially businessmen and women, consider the cellular phone a necessity. Where ten years ago it was a luxury, it is now a common comfort and even a necessity for many. Although the dictionary definition of necessity, comfort, and luxury will always be the same, the way things are classified into these three categories vary over time. What is already a luxury for this person might be considered a mere comfort by another. It differs with every person’s financial and social status. While a necessity is supposed to be a universal concept of the basic needs for survival, many think of these gadgets as essential for their survival. For example, they cannot do business without a computer and without their businesses they cannot earn the money to buy food and clothing. This way of rationalization, although certainly true, veers away from the true concept of these three categories. Although the dictionary definition of necessity, comfort, and luxury will always be the same, the way things are classified into these three categories vary over time and with each person. This is due to the changes modern technology brings.