November 7, 2025

The Lindy Effect: Why You Should Focus on What Endures.

In a world obsessed with trends and short-term gains, the Lindy Effect offers a powerful counterintuitive principle: the longer something has existed, the longer it’s likely to last.

This concept, popularized by thinkers like Nassim Nicholas Taleb, applies to technology, books, businesses, and even ideas. Instead of chasing what’s new, the Lindy Effect teaches us to focus on what has stood the test of time.

In this blog, we’ll explore:
✔ What the Lindy Effect is (with simple examples)
✔ Why it’s a game-changer for decision-making
✔ How to apply it in investing, business, and personal growth
✔ Why enduring things often outperform fleeting trends

What Is the Lindy Effect?

The Lindy Effect comes from Lindy’s Deli in New York, where comedians noticed that the longer a performer had been successful, the longer their career was likely to continue.

The Core Idea:

For non-perishable things (books, technologies, ideas), every additional year of survival suggests a longer future lifespan.
Perishable things (like humans or fresh food) don’t follow this rule—they have a limited lifespan.

Examples of the Lindy Effect in Action:

📚 Books – The Bible, Shakespeare, and Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” are still read centuries later. New bestsellers fade quickly.
💡 Technology – The wheel, paper, and electricity endure; many “revolutionary” tech fads disappear.
🏛 Companies – Brands like Coca-Cola (100+ years) and Disney (founded 1923) outlast trendy startups.

Why the Lindy Effect Matters

1. Helps Filter Noise from Real Value

Instead of jumping on every new trend (NFTs, fad diets, viral apps), the Lindy Effect suggests betting on what has already proven resilient.

2. Reduces Risk in Investing & Business

Warren Buffett’s strategy aligns with Lindy—he invests in old, stable businesses (Coca-Cola, railroads) rather than unproven startups.

3. Improves Personal Decision-Making

Skills to learn? Writing, critical thinking, and sales endure—unlike niche tech skills that may become obsolete.
Books to read? Classics have survived because they offer timeless wisdom.

How to Apply the Lindy Effect in Real Life

1. In Investing

✅ Favor “Old Economy” Stocks – Companies with decades of dividends (e.g., Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson).
❌ Avoid Hype-Driven Assets – Many cryptocurrencies and meme stocks lack Lindy durability.

2. In Business & Careers

✅ Build Skills That Last – Coding (if fundamental), sales, and leadership matter more than fleeting social media trends.
❌ Don’t Over-Index on Short-Term Trends – Remember Web3, Metaverse hype? Many “next big things” fade.

3. In Personal Growth

✅ Read Ancient Wisdom – Stoicism (2000+ years old) is more reliable than most modern self-help books.
✅ Focus on Long-Term Health Habits – Walking, strength training, and fasting have centuries of evidence.

Limitations of the Lindy Effect

While powerful, Lindy isn’t absolute:
⚠ Some Old Things Die – Blockbuster was once dominant but collapsed due to disruption.
⚠ Innovation Still Matters – The internet (relatively new) has Lindy potential because of its massive adoption.

The key is balance—prefer enduring things, but stay open to exponentially improving innovations (like AI).

Final Thought: Bet on What Has Survived

In a world of constant distraction, the Lindy Effect reminds us that time is the ultimate test of value. Instead of chasing the new, focus on the few things that have lasted decades or centuries—they’re the ones most likely to endure.

As Taleb says:

“What’s fragile breaks with time; what’s anti-fragile improves.”

So, whether in investing, learning, or lifestyle, ask yourself: “Has this stood the test of time?” If yes, it’s probably worth your attention.

The Lindy Effect: Why You Should Focus on What Endures.