I'm usually one to call out HNers for being in a sheltered bubble, but in this case I'm not sure it's far from the truth, as long as you only include those in developed countries. I grew up in one of the most deprived areas of the UK. My own parents and my friends' parents were all earning barely above minimum wage. But nobody really even struggled to own essential items like pots and pans, bedsheets, shoes etc. Most can even afford their own car if they want to. Even the poorest are well beyond material necessity. I think maybe you just set the bar between necessity and luxury a bit too high.