The Persistence of Ideas
Some ideas from 2,000 years ago still guide how we think. Others from last year are already forgotten. What makes the difference?
Characteristics of Lasting Ideas
They Address Fundamental Human Challenges
The Stoics wrote about managing emotions, handling adversity, and finding meaning. These challenges haven't changed.
Ideas that address enduring problems have enduring relevance.
They're Simple Enough to Remember
"Know thyself." "First, do no harm." "Begin with the end in mind."
Lasting ideas can be compressed into memorable phrases. Complexity might be necessary, but simplicity is memorable.
They're Adaptable Across Contexts
The best ideas work in multiple domains. Pareto's 80/20 principle applies to business, health, relationships, and productivity.
Ideas that translate across contexts spread further and last longer.
They Survive Stress Testing
Ideas that persist have been challenged repeatedly and survived. Each generation tests them against new contexts, new technologies, new challenges.
The ones that remain are battle-tested.
The Lindy Effect
Nassim Taleb's Lindy Effect suggests: the longer something has survived, the longer it's likely to survive.
A book that's been in print for 100 years is more likely to be read in another 100 years than a book published last month.
This has practical implications for knowledge curation. When in doubt, favor the old over the new.
Modern Application
In a world obsessed with novelty, there's an advantage to studying what's lasted:
- Read the classics in your field
- Study first-principles thinking
- Look for patterns across time periods
- Be skeptical of "revolutionary" new ideas
Most "new" ideas are repackaged old ones. Understanding the originals gives you an edge.
Building on Foundations
This isn't about rejecting new ideas—it's about building on solid foundations.
Learn the fundamentals deeply. Then you can evaluate new ideas against proven principles.
The practitioners who master fundamentals adapt fastest when things change. They have stable ground to build from.
Invest in ideas that last.