From exotic spices to cosmetic surgery, the average person can access far more products and opportunities than ever before. While trends change over time, mass production has transformed how we consume, allowing what were once exclusive luxuries to become widely accessible and mainstream.
To help you explore a few of the perks of modern life, we’ve compiled a list of things that were once seen as unattainable but have since become commonplace in day-to-day life.
Chocolate
Chocolate was previously unattainable for the ordinary man and historically reserved for the elite due to its exotic rarity and labor-intensive production. Thanks to mass industrialization during the 19th century and increased accessibility of sugar, mass production of this wonderful sweet treat was made possible, transforming it into an affordable indulgence for everyone.
Spices
Spices have been collected from some of the most remote regions around the world. Things like saffron, pepper, or cinnamon were once worth their weight in gold, and were a serious symbol of wealth and status. Now, you can find almost any spice in your local supermarket for only a few dollars.
Streaming Services
Gone are the days of regular televisions. These days, everyone is subscribed to at least one streaming service. With everything on demand at the touch of a button, it seems daytime satellite TV is a thing of the past.
High Tech Gadgets
To be honest, tech, in general, used to be seen as an unnecessary extravagance, a futuristic marvel reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Nowadays, however, it seems as if everyone has gone all in. Whether it is AI assistants, high-tech drones, or VR goggles, not only is it easily accessible, but it’s also pretty affordable and a part of everyday life for most of us.
International Travel
Foreign holidays are no longer an exclusive luxury available only to the super-rich. Thanks to commercial airlines, one can hop on a flight and be halfway around the world for a decent price these days. For a weekend getaway or a full-on euro tour, the options are limitless.
Laptops
Nowadays, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who didn’t own a mobile phone or laptop. Tech has inserted itself into the mainstream, solidifying itself as a necessity of modern life.
Once reserved for high-flying businessmen, laptops are no longer an outrageous luxury. These mainstream devices are a feature of practically everyone’s lives. While they can still cost a pretty penny, they are generally easily accessible and affordable to the mainstream masses.
Higher Education
Previously reserved exclusively for the elite, higher education was once a real extravagance. While the cost of many institutions is still extortionate, there are now endless options, whether in person or online, that have made education accessible to the masses.
Sustainable Products
Environmental and social consciousness is not reserved for the elite; it’s quite the opposite these days. Eco-friendly, reusable, or sustainably produced goods once signified a level of extravagance, high cost, and niche appeal. Thankfully, not only are they now widely available, but they are also widely expected by many consumers.
Home Theater Systems
Many people once dreamed of owning a private cinema. Incredibly, it is now a reality. Thanks to the accessibility of affordable tech, quality streaming, and portable projectors, you can now turn practically anything into a home theater.
Personal Drivers
Fancy personal chauffeurs are a thing of the past, but thanks to the rise of ride-sharing services like Uber, transportation has been revolutionized for the masses. While drivers may not offer the same sense of luxury as traditional chauffeurs, they provide an affordable, private alternative to expensive taxis or public transport.
Lobster
Once reserved as an exotic luxury for the rich and famous, lobster is now far more mainstream. These days, you can find it in any wannabe high-end or fine-dining restaurant, and the best part is that it’s not even that expensive.
Avocado
Like many imported delicacies, this exotic fruit was previously reserved for the rich and powerful. No longer an outrageous extravagance, it’s relatively cheap, and you’ll find it in almost every cafe, restaurant, or supermarket. It’s become a sensationalized superfruit and a favorite amongst influencers and health fanatics around the world.
Television
Back in the day, having a TV at home was seen as the ultimate luxury. In fact, owning a TV was out of the question for most people. However, now, TVs are a staple in almost every home. Once a symbol of luxury, flat-screen or smart TVs are affordable and accessible to almost everyone worldwide.
Plastic Surgery
For most people, plastic surgery used to be far too expensive to even imagine getting any procedures. Initially seen as only available to the super-rich and famous, it’s now a part of mainstream culture, with more and more people splashing out on themselves. Nowadays, cosmetic procedures are so commonplace that some even give them as gifts for special occasions.
Yacht Parties
What was previously a symbol of insane wealth and extravagant lifestyles, the kind that a tiny fraction of the world could access, is now more widely available. Renting a yacht for the day or even a couple of hours has become more mainstream and affordable for many people. Whether for a weekend getaway or a major celebration, yacht rentals are pretty common.
Coffee Shops
Splashing out on a coffee used to be seen as a real indulgence, but now it’s a part of most people’s daily routines.
Luxury Gym Memberships
Thanks to the rise in mainstream fitness culture, luxury gym memberships and personal trainers have become pretty commonplace for many people. High-end gyms decked out with spa amenities and boutique classes are nowhere near as exclusive or expensive as they once were.
What A Time To Be Alive
Thanks to the times we live in, we now have access to far more than our predecessors ever could have imagined. What were once lavish goods reserved exclusively for the elite, mega-rich, or famous are now available to the masses. From exotic spices to lavish experiences, make the most of it and enjoy everything the world has to offer!
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