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.
01:11:21
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.
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.
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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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Why Ask What Will Last 500 Years
02:00 • 2min
Hosts' Reactions to the Assignment
03:40 • 4min
Preservation, Chance, and Lost Works
07:14 • 5min
How Reputation Changes Over Centuries
12:24 • 7min
Mandy's Criteria for Timeless Art
19:17 • 4min
Mandy's Novel Picks: Piranesi and More
23:10 • 6min
Banksy and Popular Visual Art
29:05 • 6min
Theatrical and Screen Examples
35:16 • 7min
Christina on Scope and Themes
42:00 • 2min
Star Trek as a Cultural Touchstone
43:46 • 4min
Architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright
47:18 • 3min
Liturgy and Makoto Fujimura
50:11 • 5min
Matt's Research and ChatGPT Findings
55:08 • 3min
Matt's Picks: Spider-Man and Harry Potter
58:03 • 6min
Music, Film, and Video Game Questions
01:04:23 • 6min
Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts
01:10:01 • 44sec
Outro
01:10:45 • 24sec

#207
• Mentioned in 90 episodes
The Road


Tom Stechschulte


Cormac McCarthy
The Road is set in a world that has been devastated by an unspecified cataclysmic event, resulting in the extinction of nearly all life on Earth.
The story follows an unnamed father and his young son as they travel south along the road, carrying their meager possessions and a pistol with only two bullets.
The father, suffering from a worsening respiratory condition, is determined to protect his son from the dangers of their new world, including cannibalistic marauders.
Along their journey, they encounter various survivors, some of whom are cruel and others who show kindness.
The novel explores themes of love, survival, and the preservation of humanity in a world devoid of hope.
Ultimately, the father's health fails, and he dies, but not before ensuring his son's safety with a new family who may offer a chance for a better future.

#484
• Mentioned in 50 episodes
The Hunger Games


Suzanne Collins
Set in a post-apocalyptic North America known as Panem, The Hunger Games follows Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from District 12, who volunteers to participate in the 74th Hunger Games to save her younger sister Prim.
Alongside Peeta Mellark, the other tribute from District 12, Katniss must use her hunting skills and wits to survive the arena.
The Games are a tool of oppression by the Capitol to remind the districts of their defeat in a past rebellion.
As Katniss and Peeta navigate the treacherous arena, they also manipulate the audience and sponsors to gain advantages, while sparking the beginnings of a rebellion against the Capitol's tyrannical rule.

#6184
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
The Book Thief


Markus Zusak
Set in Nazi Germany from 1939 to 1943, 'The Book Thief' follows the life of Liesel Meminger, a nine-year-old girl who is sent to live with foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, after her brother dies and her mother is forced to give her up due to the dangers of the Nazi regime.
Liesel develops a deep love for books and words, stealing them from various sources, including Nazi book-burnings.
The story takes a dramatic turn when the Hubermanns hide a Jewish man, Max Vandenburg, in their basement.
Narrated by Death, the novel explores themes of war, loss, friendship, and the human spirit, providing a unique and powerful perspective on life during World War II.

#5071
• Mentioned in 8 episodes
The Tale of Genji


Murasaki Shikibu
Written in the 11th century, 'The Tale of Genji' is a comprehensive narrative that explores the life of Prince Genji, the 'Shining Prince', against the backdrop of Japan's Heian period.
The novel delves into Genji's numerous romantic entanglements, personal struggles, and the societal expectations he faces.
It is a rich tapestry of themes including love, fleeting beauty, and the complexities of relationships defined by honor, desire, and tragedy.
The story also provides a detailed insight into the culture of the aristocracy in early Heian Japan, including its forms of entertainment, daily life, and moral code.
The novel is known for its poetic and aesthetic elements, incorporating over 800 waka poems, and its exploration of human emotions and the transience of life.

#3854
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
Piranesi

Susanna Clarke
In *Piranesi*, the protagonist lives in a world called the House, a labyrinthine structure filled with thousands of statues, tides that surge through staircases, and clouds in the upper halls.
Through his meticulous journals, Piranesi reconstructs the story of his arrival and explores the House, only to discover messages indicating the presence of another person.
As he delves deeper, he uncovers secrets and confronts the possibility of a world beyond his known reality.

#3940
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous


Marguerite Capelle


Ocean Vuong


Jesús Zulaika Goicoechea
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is an epistolary novel written as a letter from a Vietnamese-American son to his illiterate mother.
It explores themes of identity, family, love, and the struggles of being a refugee in America.
The novel delves into the narrator's experiences with his family's past, his own sexuality, and his first love.

#6214
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
Where the Crawdads Sing

Delia Owens
The novel tells the story of Kya Clark, a young girl abandoned by her family in the marshes of North Carolina.
Kya learns to survive and thrive in the natural world, forming deep connections with the creatures of the marsh.
The story intertwines Kya's coming-of-age with a murder mystery involving Chase Andrews, a local celebrity whose body is found near the marsh.
The novel explores themes of isolation, love, survival, and the profound impact of the natural world on human life.
Delia Owens' vivid descriptions and atmospheric narrative bring the marshland and its inhabitants to life, making this a compelling and emotionally deep read.

#2732
• Mentioned in 14 episodes
Sunrise on the Reaping


Suzanne Collins
Suzanne Collins's "Sunrise on the Reaping" is the fifth installment in the "Hunger Games" series, serving as a prequel to the original trilogy.
This book delves into the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy, a pivotal character in the original series, offering a glimpse into his experiences as a tribute in the Hunger Games.
Readers can expect a continuation of the series' signature blend of dystopian fiction, political intrigue, and survival elements.
The novel promises to expand the world of Panem and provide further insight into the events that shaped the lives of its characters.
It's likely to be a highly anticipated addition to the "Hunger Games" saga.

#438
• Mentioned in 54 episodes
Fifty Shades of Grey


E. L. James
The novel follows Anastasia Steele, a literature student, as she interviews Christian Grey, a young and enigmatic entrepreneur.
Their encounter leads to a complex and passionate affair, where Ana is introduced to Christian's world of BDSM and must navigate her own desires and boundaries.
The story explores themes of control, submission, and the deepening emotional relationship between the two characters, despite Christian's dark past and his need for dominance.

#83739
Salvage the Bones

Jesmyn Ward
Set in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina, 'Salvage the Bones' follows the Batiste family as they navigate poverty, family dynamics, and personal crises.
The story is told through the eyes of 15-year-old Esch, who grapples with her own pregnancy and the impending storm.
The novel explores themes of love, loss, and survival in the face of natural disaster and personal turmoil.

#99
• Mentioned in 146 episodes
James

Percival Everett
Percival Everett's "James" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that reimagines the classic tale of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim. Everett's writing is both sharp and witty, blending humor and pathos to create a compelling narrative.
The novel explores themes of race, freedom, and identity in a way that is both timely and timeless.
Everett's unique voice and perspective offer a fresh take on a familiar story, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about race and American history.
The novel's unexpected twists and turns keep readers engaged until the very end, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

#1250
• Mentioned in 25 episodes
The Canterbury tales

Geoffrey Chaucer

#723
• Mentioned in 37 episodes
Book of Common Prayer


Church of England Staff
The Book of Common Prayer is a foundational liturgical text of the Anglican Communion.
First published in 1549 during the reign of Edward VI, it was compiled primarily by Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury.
The book includes complete forms of service for daily and Sunday worship, such as Morning and Evening Prayer, the Litany, Holy Communion, and services for baptism, confirmation, marriage, visitation of the sick, and burial.
It has undergone several revisions, notably in 1552, 1559, 1604, and 1662, with the 1662 version remaining the standard for most Anglican churches.
The book is known for its beautiful language and its role in shaping Anglican doctrine and worship.

#3959
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
Erasure

Percival Everett
In 'Erasure', Thelonious 'Monk' Ellison, a professor of English literature and novelist, struggles with the publishing industry's expectations of what constitutes 'black enough' literature.
Frustrated, Monk writes a parody of ghetto novels, titled 'My Pafology' or 'Fuck', which unexpectedly gains widespread acclaim and financial success under the pseudonym Stagg R. Leigh.
The novel explores themes of identity, alienation, and the commodification of black experiences, while also delving into Monk's personal life, including his family's struggles and his own identity crisis.
#74041
Sing Unburied Sing


Jasmine Ward

#1217
• Mentioned in 26 episodes
Iliad

Homer

#1563
• Mentioned in 22 episodes
Odyssey

Homer

#5273
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
The Underground Railroad

Colson Whitehead


CRUZ RODRIGUEZ JUIZ
The book follows Cora, a slave on a cotton plantation in Georgia, who embarks on a harrowing journey to freedom using a secret network of actual tracks and tunnels beneath the Southern soil.
Along with Caesar, a fellow slave, Cora faces numerous challenges and dangers, including the relentless slave catcher Ridgeway.
The narrative blends historical reality with fantasy, offering a powerful meditation on the history of American slavery and its ongoing impact on society.

#2492
• Mentioned in 15 episodes
Never Let Me Go


Kazuo Ishiguro
The novel is set in a dystopian England where cloning technology allows for the mass production of organ donors.
The story is narrated by Kathy, a clone who works as a 'carer' for other donors.
Kathy reflects on her upbringing at Hailsham, a boarding school for clones, and her relationships with her friends Ruth and Tommy.
As the narrative unfolds, it reveals the grim reality of the clones' existence: they are raised to donate their organs until they 'complete' (die).
The book explores themes of identity, humanity, and the moral implications of scientific advancements, raising questions about the treatment of the vulnerable and the nature of human existence.

#1813
• Mentioned in 19 episodes
The Name of the Rose

Umberto Eco
The novel, set in 1327, follows Adso of Melk, a young Benedictine novice, and William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar, as they investigate a series of murders at an abbey in northern Italy.
The story is framed by a complex narrative structure and involves debates on theology, science, and politics.
The abbey's labyrinthine library, which houses a forbidden book, is central to the mystery.
As the investigation unfolds, William and Adso uncover a conspiracy related to the library and a hidden manuscript that could undermine religious and societal order.

#1756
• Mentioned in 20 episodes
The Remains of the Day


Kazuo Ishiguro
The Remains of the Day is a novel told through the first-person narration of Stevens, a long-serving butler at Darlington Hall.
In the summer of 1956, Stevens embarks on a six-day motoring trip through the West Country, which becomes a journey into his past.
The novel explores Stevens' memories of his service during and after World War II, his relationship with the former housekeeper Miss Kenton, and the decline of the English aristocracy.
It delves into themes of regret, repression, and the consequences of dedicating one's life to professional duty at the expense of personal happiness.
The story is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, the reliability of memory, and the human cost of maintaining a rigid professional persona.

#656
• Mentioned in 40 episodes
Beowulf


Anonymous
Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that chronicles the daring deeds of its titular hero, Beowulf.
The story begins with Beowulf's journey to help King Hrothgar of the Danes, whose mead hall, Heorot, is terrorized by the monster Grendel.
Beowulf kills Grendel and later Grendel's mother, then returns to his homeland to become king of the Geats.
After ruling for 50 years, he faces his final battle against a fire-breathing dragon, which ultimately leads to his death.
The poem explores themes of heroism, fate, and the struggle between civilization and wilderness.

#415
• Mentioned in 56 episodes
The Epic of Gilgamesh


Andrew George


Anonymous
The Epic of Gilgamesh tells the story of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, who is two-thirds god and one-third human.
The gods create Enkidu, a wild man, to counterbalance Gilgamesh's oppressive rule.
Enkidu and Gilgamesh become friends after a trial of strength and embark on several adventures, including the slaying of the monster Humbaba and the killing of the Bull of Heaven.
Following Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh sets out on a perilous journey to find Utnapishtim, the survivor of the Babylonian Flood, in search of the secret of eternal life.
Despite his efforts, Gilgamesh learns that death is inevitable and returns to Uruk, reconciled to his mortality and appreciative of the enduring achievements of humanity.

#772
• Mentioned in 36 episodes
THE NICKEL BOYS

Colson Whitehead
The Nickel Boys is a powerful and disturbing novel that delves into the horrors of Nickel Academy, a segregated juvenile reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida.
The story follows Elwood Curtis, a bright and idealistic young man who is falsely accused of stealing a car and sent to Nickel Academy.
There, he and his friend Turner navigate the brutal and corrupt environment, marked by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
The novel explores themes of systemic injustice, human perseverance, and the lasting impact of trauma.
It alternates between the 1960s and the present, as the dark history of Nickel Academy is uncovered and its survivors come forward to share their experiences.
How will people in the future, say 500 years from now, view today's art? What are the novels, movies, and songs that will still be relevant and important to people in the year 2525? Each of the co-hosts offers their best guess.
