Links
- The Lindy Newsletter by Paul Skallas
- Specifically this letter: Basic Concepts - Lindy
- Which references this article: An Expert Called Lindy by Nassim Taleb
Definition & Origin
- The Lindy Effect was named after a deli New York City where broadway actors would hang out. They believed if a show had lasted 100 days it could last 100 more. If it lasted 200, another 200.
- Commonly used as an adjective, to describe things as "Lindy", "Not Lindy", or "Deep Lindy"
- The longer ideas, books, technologies, procedures, institutions, political systems has survived, the more anti-fragile they are. The only effective judge of these is time.
- Any idea from the classics that are studied are Lindy-proof, else we wouldn't study them.
- Lindy can be used as a filter for ideas, since the world is full of complexity, you use Lindy to help you navigate.
Examples of "Lindy" Things
- Coffee - Been around for 400-500 years. Effects of coffee are largely known.
- Long walks
- Stength Training
Examples of "Not Lindy" Things
- Mouthwash - less than 100 years old. Kills all bacteria and can disrupt the complex microbiome of your mouth. One study suggests this may cause Diabetes
- Breakfast - 20th century invention, most people used to fast through the morning. #fasting #nutrition.
- Social Media - Toxic way to consume information and news.
- The "not lindy leading causes of death:" Vegetable Oils, sugar, refined carbohydrates, processed food, medication errors, stress, lack of sleep, lack of exercise.
- Extroversion and Introversion - Largely debunked #citation needed.
- Ego Depletion - aka the idea that willpower depletes as you use it. Others(Scenca) have shown the opposite, that willpower is like a muscle and increases the more you use it. #discipline
- Life Hacking
- Bodybuilding culture
- Yoga - surprisingly, a 20th century invention. #citation needed.