The Daily Stoic Paul Skallas on the Lindy Effect and Standing the Test of Time | 'Normal' is the Enemy
Jul 7, 2021
In this conversation, Paul Skallas, a technology lawyer and author known for his work, "Life & The Lindy Effect," discusses the enduring principles of the Lindy Effect. He highlights how some ideas from history stand the test of time and why that matters today. The duo reflects on the cultural significance of music legends like The Beatles and contrasts modern architectural trends with timeless designs. They also tackle how contemporary challenges, including the influence of technology and social media, could be approached through the lens of ancient wisdom.
01:16:16
Lindy Effect Definition
- The Lindy Effect is a probabilistic heuristic.
- It suggests something's future lifespan correlates with its current age.
Trusting the Lindy Effect
- Trust things that have endured over novelties.
- New things may be based on bad science, fads, or lack staying power.
Cars and Unforeseen Consequences
- The car replaced the horse, but caused unforeseen consequences like car accidents.
- Europe's walkable design contrasts with America's car-centric culture.
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Intro
00:00 • 4min
Timeless Wisdom and the Lindy Effect
04:13 • 20min
Timeless Art in a Transient World
24:28 • 6min
Cultural Wisdom and Modern Challenges
30:27 • 13min
The Impact of Environment on Health and Community
43:42 • 3min
The Duality of Individualism and Community
46:50 • 13min
The Lindy Effect: Timeless Ideas and Lasting Impact
01:00:19 • 18min
Exploring Modernity and the Craft of Timeless Writing
01:18:10 • 5min
The 48 laws of power
Robert Greene
In 'The 48 Laws of Power', Robert Greene and Joost Elffers synthesize three thousand years of the history of power into 48 laws.
These laws are derived from the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Carl Von Clausewitz, as well as the lives of influential figures such as Henry Kissinger and P.T.
Barnum.
The book provides tactics, concepts, and lessons on how to achieve and maintain power, emphasizing prudence, confidence, and self-preservation.
Each law is illustrated with historical examples and is designed to help readers understand and navigate the dynamics of power in various aspects of life, including work, social hierarchies, and politics.
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Confessions of a Media Manipulator
Ryan Holiday
In 'Trust Me, I'm Lying,' Ryan Holiday exposes the inner workings of the online media system, detailing how rumors and false information can quickly spread from low-level blogs to major news outlets.
The book highlights the role of marketers and media manipulators in this process, driven by the toxic economics of the news business.
Holiday shares his own experiences as a media manipulator and provides insights into the social science behind why this system is so vulnerable to manipulation.
He also offers advice on how to spot and combat these manipulative tactics.
Life and the Lindy Effect
Paul Skallas
This book delves into the idea of the Lindy Effect, a concept popularized by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, which posits that the longer something has survived, the longer it is likely to continue surviving.
Skallas applies this idea to human behavior, although the book has been criticized for its poor writing, lack of proper formatting, and the author's attitude.
Despite the criticisms, the book touches on how the Lindy Effect can provide insights into social behavior and the inherent value of things that have endured over time.
Lives of the Stoics
The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius
Ryan Holiday
Stephen Hanselman
This book presents the fascinating lives of twenty-six ancient Stoics, from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius, organized in digestible mini-biographies.
It vividly brings to life the stories of key Stoic philosophers, such as Seneca, Epictetus, and Cicero, and demonstrates how their philosophies shaped their actions and legacies.
The authors intertwine historical context with philosophical insights, making the book both educational and entertaining.
It shows how Stoic principles can be applied to modern life, emphasizing virtues like Courage, Justice, Temperance, and Wisdom.
Ego is the Enemy
Ryan Holiday
In *Ego Is the Enemy*, Ryan Holiday delves into the concept of ego and its detrimental effects on personal and professional success.
The book is divided into three sections: Aspiration, Success, and Failure, each offering valuable lessons and perspectives.
Holiday draws on a vast array of stories and examples from literature, philosophy, and history, featuring figures such as George Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt.
These individuals achieved great success by conquering their own egos, and their strategies and tactics are presented as models for readers.
The book emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, continually learning, and embracing a mindset of growth rather than letting ego hinder development.
Stillness is the Key
Ryan Holiday
In 'Stillness is the Key', Ryan Holiday explores the concept of inner stillness as a universal principle across different philosophical and religious traditions, including Stoicism, Buddhism, Epicureanism, and more.
The book is divided into three sections: stillness of the mind, stillness of the spirit, and stillness of the body.
Holiday argues that cultivating stillness allows for better decision-making, increased focus, and a more fulfilling life.
He uses anecdotes from historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate the importance of moderation, patience, and self-awareness in achieving this state of stillness.
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe.
Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature.
Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
Perennial seller
The Art of Making and Marketing Work that Lasts
Ryan Holiday
In 'Perennial Seller', Ryan Holiday explores the principles behind creating works that endure and thrive long after their initial release.
He argues that these 'perennial sellers' are not flukes but are built to last from the outset.
The book is divided into four parts: the creative process, positioning, marketing, and platform.
Holiday uses examples from various industries, including music, restaurants, and literature, to illustrate how creators can ensure their work remains relevant and continues to attract new customers over time.
He emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to both the creation and marketing of the work, as well as the need for patience, dedication, and a strong platform of loyal supporters.
But What If We're Wrong?
Thinking About the Present As If It Were the Past
Chuck Klosterman
Chuck Klosterman's "But What If We're Wrong?
" explores the inherent uncertainty of human knowledge and the tendency to view past beliefs as absurd.
The book examines various fields, including science, art, and sports, questioning the accepted narratives and highlighting how our understanding of the world constantly evolves.
Klosterman uses historical examples to illustrate how seemingly unshakeable beliefs can be overturned by new discoveries and perspectives.
The book encourages readers to embrace uncertainty and consider the possibility that many of our current beliefs may be proven wrong in the future.
Ultimately, it prompts reflection on the nature of truth, knowledge, and the human condition.
Against the Grain
A Deep History of the Earliest States
James C. Scott
In 'Against the Grain', James C. Scott argues that the early agrarian states were not the result of a voluntary transition from hunter-gatherer lifestyles, but rather were formed through coercion and violence.
He challenges the conventional narrative that agriculture led to settled communities, civilization, and improved living standards.
Instead, Scott posits that these early states were often hierarchical, plagued by malnutrition and disease, and reliant on slavery.
The book explores the domestication of fire, plants, and animals, and how these processes led to the control of populations and the emergence of states.
It also discusses the tensions between states and non-state peoples, highlighting the adaptability and resilience of nomadic and hunter-gatherer communities.
The Black Swan
The Impact of the Highly Improbable
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
David Chandler
Nassim Taleb
The Black Swan is a landmark book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb that investigates the phenomenon of highly improbable events with massive impacts.
These events, termed Black Swans, are unpredictable, have a significant impact, and are rationalized after the fact to appear less random.
Taleb argues that humans are hardwired to focus on specifics rather than generalities, leading to a failure to consider what we don’t know.
The book delves into cognitive biases, the limitations of mathematical models, and the importance of robustness and antifragility in navigating a world filled with uncertainty.
The second edition includes a new essay, 'On Robustness and Fragility,' offering tools to navigate and exploit a Black Swan world.
The obstacle is the way
Ryan Holiday
In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes.
Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will.
He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs.
The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges.
Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.
Aesop's Fables
Aesop
Aesop's Fables are a collection of stories that have been passed down through oral tradition and later written down.
These fables feature animals and other elements that take on human characteristics to convey important moral lessons.
The stories cover a wide range of themes, including social, religious, and political issues, and have been used as ethical guides and educational tools for both children and adults.
The fables are known for their simplicity and the profound truths they convey, making them timeless and universally relevant.
The bed of Procrustes
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
The Bed of Procrustes is a philosophical book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, written in an aphoristic style.
It contrasts classical values like courage and elegance with modern issues such as nerdiness and phoniness.
The book critiques how modern society often forces reality into preconceived frameworks, much like the mythological figure Procrustes who adjusted his guests to fit his bed.
It offers insights into human delusions and the importance of understanding uncertainty and complexity.
The Daily Stoic
366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
Ryan Holiday
Stephen Hanselman
This book provides 366 meditations on Stoic wisdom, featuring new translations of passages from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and other Stoic philosophers.
Each day, readers are presented with a Stoic lesson explained in modern language, along with advice on how to apply these lessons in everyday life.
The book is organized temporally and thematically across the twelve months of the year, making it a daily resource for practicing Stoicism.
The obstacle is the way
Ryan Holiday
In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes.
Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will.
He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs.
The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges.
Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.
Antifragile
Things That Gain from Disorder
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Albino Santos Mosquera
Genís Sánchez Barberán
In 'Antifragile', Nassim Nicholas Taleb delves into the concept of antifragility, arguing that some systems not only withstand stress and disorder but actually benefit from them.
The book builds on ideas from his previous works, such as 'Fooled by Randomness' and 'The Black Swan', and is part of his five-volume philosophical treatise on uncertainty, 'Incerto'.
Taleb provides examples from various fields, including science, economics, and history, to illustrate how antifragility can be achieved and how it contrasts with fragility and robustness.
He also discusses strategies like the barbell strategy and optionality, and critiques modern society's attempts to eliminate volatility, which he believes are harmful.
The book is praised for its revolutionary ideas and multidisciplinary approach, though it has also received criticism for its style and some of the author's views on mental health and other topics.
Life and the Lindy Effect
Paul Skallas
This book delves into the idea of the Lindy Effect, a concept popularized by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, which posits that the longer something has survived, the longer it is likely to continue surviving.
Skallas applies this idea to human behavior, although the book has been criticized for its poor writing, lack of proper formatting, and the author's attitude.
Despite the criticisms, the book touches on how the Lindy Effect can provide insights into social behavior and the inherent value of things that have endured over time.
Ryan reads today’s daily meditation and talks to Paul Skallas about the Lindy Effect, why certain works stand the test of time and how to replicate them, how to order your life according to the Lindy Effect, and more.
Paul Skallas is a technology lawyer and an author of many books including Life & The Lindy Effect. Skallas is an original thinker who tries to use the most robust ideas from human history to make sense of the challenges and opportunities in daily life.
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