20 Things You’re Probably Taking for Granted

It’s easy to forget how many luxuries we enjoy in our daily lives that others around the world may never experience. The simple conveniences we often overlook, like owning a car or having clean clothes, are luxuries that millions around the world cannot afford.

Take hot running water, for example. It’s something most of us don’t think twice about, yet according to the World Health Organization, over 2 billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water, let alone the convenience of a hot shower.  

Why is this relevant? Because the systems we rely on for these comforts, energy, transportation, and basic utilities, are often resource-intensive and unsustainable. Ignoring these luxuries can lead to greater inequality and environmental damage. 

In this article, we’ll explore common luxuries that many take for granted and highlight why they’re more of a privilege than we might realize.

Do you ever wonder what life would be like without the comforts you rely on every day? Sit back and relax, and by the end, you might just see your daily routine in a whole new light.

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Hot Running Water

Hot running water is one of those luxuries that many people don’t realize is a privilege. In most developed countries, it’s taken for granted, but many people around the world, access to hot water is a luxury. 

This resource makes basic hygiene and everyday comfort much easier, allowing for warm showers, clean clothes, and heated dishes. Yet, the systems that provide it often rely on energy-intensive infrastructure, primarily fueled by non-renewable sources like fossil fuels.

Historically, widespread access to hot running water only became common after World War II, when advancements in economic growth allowed more households to install hot water heaters. Before that, the idea of running a hot bath or having warm water at the turn of a faucet was unthinkable for most. 

Today, hot water is embedded so deeply in daily life that its absence would make you feel life is hard. Even with its relatively recent availability for the majority of people.

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Owning a Car

While cars are often seen as a standard for transportation, owning a vehicle remains a luxury for a lot of people. In regions with developed public transportation networks, owning a car is less of a necessity and more of a convenience. 

Though, in rural areas, a car can be a lifeline to access essential services like grocery stores, healthcare, and employment. Globally, only a small percentage of people have the means to afford a personal vehicle. 

The costs associated with owning a car, including fuel, maintenance, insurance, and taxes, can be prohibitive. In some areas, a car symbolizes freedom and financial stability, but it remains an unattainable goal for many.

Especially in developing countries where infrastructure and income levels don’t support widespread car ownership.

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Quality Sleep and Peace of Mind

Quality sleep is an understated luxury that many people fail to recognize. With the stresses of modern life, getting restful sleep can be hard, yet it is needed for our bodies. 

Those who enjoy peaceful sleep are often unaware of how fortunate they are compared to others. There are many people that struggle with insomnia, anxiety, or living in environments where peace is hard to come by.

Peace of mind, which contributes significantly to good sleep, is another luxury that is not always accessible. The ability to go to bed without worrying about financial stress, or even personal conflicts is something people don’t realize is a blessing. 

Around the world, conflict, poverty, and insecurity make restful sleep a rare commodity, highlighting just how fortunate those with peace of mind truly are.

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Having a Home

Having a stable home is often overlooked as a luxury in modern life, especially in societies where home ownership is common. A home offers not just shelter but also a sense of security, identity, and belonging. 

While it might seem ordinary to some, millions of people worldwide face housing insecurity, be it due to economic hardship, displacement, or natural disasters. Beyond the physical structure, a home provides emotional comfort. 

It is a space where people can feel safe, relax, and establish routines. For those who always had a home, it can be difficult to grasp how hard living without one can be. 

It’s not just about having four walls and a roof but about the peace and stability that come with it.

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Personal Privacy

In today’s hyper-connected world, personal privacy has become a luxury that many people overlook. The ability to go about your day without being constantly monitored or tracked is becoming increasingly rare. 

With the rise of social media, data collection, and surveillance technologies, the line between public and private life is blurrier than ever. For those fortunate enough to protect their personal data and maintain boundaries, the value of privacy might not be immediately obvious.

Many individuals live in environments where they are watched by government entities or constantly interrupted by work-related communications. Having the ability to control who has access to your life and personal information is a freedom many don’t realize is slipping away.

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Fresh, Unpolluted Air

For 99% of the global population, they breathe air that contains high levels of pollutants. Urban environments, especially in low- and middle-income countries suffer the most. 

Smog, vehicle emissions, and factory output have degraded the quality of air. This makes it difficult for residents to breathe without concern for their health. In contrast, those who live in rural areas may not think twice about the clean air they breathe. 

They wake up to crisp mornings and spend time outdoors without considering the luxury of it. For millions of others, air purifiers and indoor spaces are the only options to mitigate the pollution in their environment.

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Access to Fresh Food

Access to fresh, nutritious food is another luxury that is often taken for granted. In many parts of the world, food deserts make it difficult for people to find affordable, fresh produce.

Instead, unhealthy options are often the only available choices, leading to a host of health problems. For those with regular access to farmer’s markets, organic grocery stores, or even home-grown gardens, the luxury of fresh food is a part of daily life. 

The wide range of food options highlights the gap between those with healthy diets and those without due to constraints.

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Time to Relax

Having the time to relax is a true luxury that many people don’t consider. People in today’s fast-paced society often sacrifice their leisure time to stay productive under pressure.

Some individuals are constantly juggling work, family, and other responsibilities, leaving little time for self-care or simply unwinding. People who can afford time for hobbies, vacations, or quiet evenings may overlook relaxation’s true value.

In many parts of the world, people work long hours just to meet their basic needs, and the concept of having time for oneself can feel like an unattainable luxury. Having free time is an understated privilege that’s often not appreciated until it’s gone.

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Reliable Electricity

According to a 2021 report from the International Energy Agency, around 760 million people worldwide still live without access to electricity. In countries with unstable infrastructure, power outages are frequent, leaving people without light, refrigeration, or heat for extended periods. 

For these individuals, electricity is a precious resource that cannot always be counted on. In developed countries, electricity is so reliable that most people hardly notice it until there’s a rare blackout. 

Daily tasks like charging a phone, watching television, or simply turning on the lights are second nature. The luxury of dependable power not only supports modern conveniences but also ensures safety and stability, aspects of life that many around the world cannot always access.

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Access to Healthcare

Access to quality healthcare is a profound luxury that remains out of reach for billions of people globally. For individuals living in countries with universal healthcare or excellent private insurance, the ability to see a doctor or receive medical treatment is something they can easily take for granted. 

Yet, in other parts of the world, a simple doctor’s visit can be financially crippling, or medical facilities may be miles away and under-equipped. The contrast between those who can afford regular check-ups, preventative care, and emergency services, and those who cannot, is stark. 

Healthcare in remote areas often relies on makeshift clinics or non-profit organizations’ treatments. Simply knowing you can access medical care when you need it is a privilege many don’t fully appreciate.

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Education

Education is one of the most significant luxuries that often goes unrecognized. In many developed countries, basic education is a given, and access to higher learning is more common, though still expensive. 

Many people assume attending school and pursuing a degree is standard, but opportunities are limited globally. In developing regions, children often have to work instead of going to school, and even when education is available, resources like books, qualified teachers, and safe learning environments are in short supply. 

The opportunity to learn and grow intellectually is a luxury that opens doors to a better future, yet for many, it remains out of reach.

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Access to Public Spaces

People often take for granted the luxury of accessing safe and well-maintained public spaces. Parks, libraries, and community centers provide places for people to relax, socialize, and exercise, all of which contribute to a higher quality of life. 

In many urban areas, neglect, safety issues, and a lack of public spaces fail to meet population needs. For those who live in cities with abundant green spaces and recreational facilities, the luxury of having somewhere peaceful to go outside their homes can seem like a basic right.

Yet, not everyone has the opportunity to enjoy these amenities, particularly in underprivileged or overcrowded areas. The ability to walk through a clean, well-kept park or visit a local library is a privilege that many might not realize they have.

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High-Speed Internet

High-speed internet is something many people use every day without considering it a luxury. For those in urban areas with consistent access, streaming videos, browsing the web, or working remotely are routine tasks. 

Yet, for many in rural or underdeveloped regions, fast and reliable internet is either too expensive or simply unavailable, making it difficult to stay connected. Access to high-speed internet provides more than just entertainment.

It’s a tool for education, business, and communication, opening doors to opportunities that many people around the world don’t have. For those with consistent, high-speed connections, it’s easy to overlook how much they rely on this modern convenience in nearly every aspect of their daily lives.

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Safe Streets

Living in an area with safe streets is often taken for granted by those who have never experienced significant crime or danger. In many places, people can walk freely at night, let their children play outside, and feel secure in their neighborhoods. Safety allows individuals to relax and enjoy their surroundings without the constant worry of violence or theft.

In contrast, there are parts of the world where stepping outside can feel risky, and personal safety is always a concern. For those living in these environments, daily life involves a level of caution and vigilance that others never have to consider.

Safe streets offer peace of mind and the freedom to live without fear, a luxury that is too often overlooked.

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Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech is a foundational right in many countries, but it remains a luxury for millions of people worldwide. In regions where governments tightly control expression, citizens face censorship, persecution, and even imprisonment for sharing their opinions. 

The ability to speak freely without fear of reprisal is not universal, and in many parts of the world, expressing dissent can be dangerous. People in places that protect freedom of speech often take this right for granted.

People voice their opinions openly, be it in person or online, without thinking about the consequences. Yet, this ability to speak without fear is a luxury that many people still fight for, making it one of the most valuable freedoms that some don’t fully appreciate.

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Access to Reliable Childcare

Reliable childcare is a crucial luxury that allows parents to balance work and family life. In many countries, especially developed ones, daycare centers, preschools, and babysitters are readily available. 

Parents can work, pursue their careers, or enjoy personal time knowing that their children are in safe hands. This level of support provides freedom and peace of mind for many families. In many regions, people have limited or unaffordable access to reliable childcare. 

Many parents have no choice but to bring their children to work, rely on extended family, or forego employment opportunities altogether. Reliable childcare is a service that supports not only family dynamics but also economic stability, yet it remains out of reach for many parents globally.

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Clean Clothing

Wearing clean clothing might not seem like a luxury, but for many people, access to laundry facilities or even clean water for washing is limited even here in the U.S.. In areas with water shortages or where laundry services are expensive, keeping clothes clean is a constant challenge. 

Many people often overlook the luxury of tossing clothes into a washing machine and having them fresh and clean. For those who enjoy the convenience of washing machines at home or in facilities, the effort required to maintain clean clothing is minimal. 

Still, in other parts of the world, washing clothes by hand or finding a way to clean them at all can be a daily struggle. Clean clothing is essential not just for comfort but also for dignity and hygiene, making it an overlooked luxury in modern life.

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Having a Personal Phone

Having a personal phone is another modern luxury that many people don’t consider. For those in developed nations, owning a smartphone is almost a given, with access to apps, the internet, and constant communication. 

It’s not just a tool for calling or texting, it’s a personal assistant, entertainment hub, and social connector all in one device. In many parts of the world, personal phones are far less common, with some families sharing a single device or relying on communal access. 

The convenience of having a phone at your fingertips allows people to stay connected, informed, and entertained, yet this accessibility is something many don’t fully recognize as a luxury until they lose it.

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Ability to Travel

Traveling often seems routine for people in wealthier countries, but it remains a significant luxury for many globally. Traveling domestically or internationally requires both the financial means and the time, something that is not possible for everyone. 

Many people have never left their hometowns or countries due to economic limitations, political barriers, or other constraints. Traveling to new places and cultures, or visiting loved ones, is a privilege many take for granted.

Be it for leisure or necessity, the freedom to move about the world as one pleases is a luxury that not everyone can enjoy. Travel expands horizons, but it also highlights the disparities between those who can afford it and those who cannot.

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Access to Clean Restrooms

Access to clean, functional restrooms is a basic amenity that many people assume is universal. In developed countries, public restrooms are common, and most homes have multiple bathrooms with reliable plumbing. 

Clean facilities provide not only convenience but also hygiene, contributing to overall public health. Some regions have limited or no access to restrooms, particularly clean ones.

People may have to travel long distances to use a bathroom, or they may rely on makeshift sanitation systems that pose significant health risks. Clean restrooms are a daily convenience for many, but for others, they are a rare and valuable resource that is far from guaranteed.

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Recognizing the Privileges in Everyday Life

Many of the conveniences we take for granted, like access to clean water, reliable electricity, and the freedom to speak our minds, are luxuries for millions of people worldwide. 

The next time you enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep, a hot meal, or a leisurely drive, take a moment to appreciate how fortunate you are. 

By recognizing these privileges, we can be more mindful of the inequalities that exist and work toward a world where more people have access to these everyday comforts.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.