A 2012 article from The Atlantic observed that over the past 100 years we have often turned yesterday's luxury products into today's necessities.

• In 1900, less than 10 percent of families owned a stove, or had access to electricity or phones
• In 1915, less than ten percent of families owned a car
• In 1930, less than ten percent of families owned a refrigerator or clothes washer
• In 1945, less than ten percent of families owned a clothes dryer or air-conditioning In 1960, less than ten percent of families owned a dishwasher or color TV
• In 1975, less than ten percent of families owned a microwave
• In 1990, less than ten percent of families had a cell phone or access to the internet

The article concluded by noting, "Today, at least 90 percent of the country has a stove, electricity, car, fridge, clothes washer, air-conditioning, color TV, microwave, and cell phone. They make our lives better. They might even make us happier. But they are [never] enough."