So, what exactly is the Lindy Effect?

Welcome back to Smarter in 10—the podcast that brings big ideas to curious minds, one fascinating topic at a time. I'm David Peterson from the DMP Education Group, and today we're exploring an intriguing principle that might help you predict what’s likely to stand the test of time. It's called the Lindy Effect.

Think about your bookshelf for a moment. You probably have books published recently, and you might have a few classics as well—maybe something by Shakespeare, Jane Austen, or Hemingway. Now, ask yourself: which of these books will still be popular a century from now? According to the Lindy Effect, the books that have already endured for decades or centuries are likely the safest bets.

At first glance, this might seem counterintuitive. We tend to think newer is better. Our culture celebrates innovation and novelty—new gadgets, fresh ideas, cutting-edge techniques. Yet there's a fascinating wisdom hidden within things that have endured across generations.

So, what exactly is the Lindy Effect?