Believe to See

Harry Potter in 500 Years

Dec 2, 2025
Explore what contemporary art might thrive 500 years into the future. The hosts debate timeless works, highlighting novels, films, and visual art that could endure. Mandy champions timeless authors like Cormac McCarthy, while Christina touts 'Star Trek' for its cultural impact. Matt defends favorites like 'Harry Potter' for its mythic themes. The discussion touches on the nature of preservation, the evolution of reputations, and even the role of video games as lasting art. It's an engaging dive into the intersection of art and humanity's future.
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ANECDOTE

Page Numbers Prompt A Mortality Moment

  • Matt recalled finding his birth year as a page number in his Norton anthology and flipping to his 90th-year page.
  • The image of a thin sliver of life in the vast book led him to reflect on human smallness against history.
ADVICE

Use Criteria To Judge Endurance

  • When predicting what will last, define clear criteria like timelessness and historical rootedness.
  • Use those criteria to evaluate works rather than relying on popularity alone.
INSIGHT

Survival Often Depends On Chance

  • Cultural survival of works often hinges on accident and preservation, not just merit.
  • Many masterpieces exist today only because single manuscripts or chance archaeological finds survived.
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