The Lindy effect (also known as Lindy’s Law) is a theory that holds that the life expectancy of a non-perishable thing, such as a technology or cultural phenomenon, is directly correlated with its age.

Broadway actors used to gather at New York’s Lindy Deli, where author Nassim Nicholas Taleb first introduced the term. The Lindy effect would indicate that a Broadway show’s longevity would be approximately the same if it ran for a specific amount of weeks. This principle implies that the longer something has existed, the longer it is expected to continue existing.

One of its characteristics is the Lindy effect’s nonlinear link between age and remaining lifespan. In general, something grows stronger with age since it has previously withstood multiple selection pressures. This concept has applications across various domains. In the technology field, it implies that long-standing technologies have a higher chance of enduring and being relevant.

In finance, it can help investors concentrate on time-tested methods rather than fleeting trends. In culture, timeless works of art, music and literature will likely continue to impact society for many years to come. Hence, the Lindy effect provides a valuable heuristic for evaluating the durability and endurance of concepts, innovations and cultural events across various domains.

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