“One of history’s few iron laws is that luxuries tend to become necessities and to spawn new obligations.”

Simplified Meaning:

Often, things that start off as special treats or extras eventually turn into things we feel we can't live without, creating new responsibilities for us. For example, in the past, having a smartphone was a luxury. Only a few people had them, and they were used mostly for important business or urgent communication. Over time, smartphones became common. Now, most people feel they need one for everyday activities like staying in touch with friends, checking the news, or even getting directions. This shift means people feel the need to always be connected, buy data plans, and replace their phones regularly, which adds new costs and worries to their lives. So, what used to be an extra is now something we can't imagine living without, making our lives more complicated in some ways. Remembering this can help us think more carefully about what we consider essential and how it affects our responsibilities.