Deutsche Telekom's real problem is its historical burden.

ECONOMIST: Deutsche Telekom

Such a remarkable historical legacy is also a burden for South Africa.

FORBES: Miracle Rising: Political Renaissance in South Africa

Most would say those are positive trends, although the pace of debt repayment by households is pretty sluggish and our personal debts (at close to 100% of GDP) remain substantial (and a worrying burden) by historical standards.

BBC: UK's debts 'biggest in the world'

It is debatable whether the semi-factual story can shoulder the burden of political and historical significance the author gives it, and the result is more muddled than revelatory.

BBC: History informs Beatles play

While acknowledging the growing problem of waste, European industry had lobbied hard against the proposal, particularly its coverage of existing or historical waste, warning that it would represent an enormous financial burden that would ultimately boost prices for consumers.

CNN: EU proposals aim to reduce electronic waste

And pretty much all historical precedent would suggest the Greek economy cannot recover under this kind of debt burden (see Rogoff and Reinhart's Debt Overhangs: Past and Present for more on this).

BBC: Greece: Euro exit delayed?