A Thousand Years

I

It's easy to get caught up in the latest trends in a world that moves at breakneck speed. Constantly bombarded with new products that promise to change our lives. But in the end, most of these things are fleeting. They come and go, leaving us searching for the next big thing.

But what if we took a different approach? What if we focused on creating timeless products that could stand the test of time rather than chasing the latest and greatest? What if we embraced long-term thinking and built things that would last not just for years, but for generations?

Throughout history, several products have endured for centuries. A few, even millennia. The Great Pyramid of Giza has stood for over 4,500 years. Shakespeare continues to be studied 400 years after his death. The concept of democracy, first practiced in ancient Greece, remains a cornerstone of modern society.

All timeless creations share certain qualities. They are built to last, with a focus on durability. They speak to universal human experiences. They are simple yet profound, elegant yet functional.

When we create products with these qualities in mind, we tap into something powerful. We create things that have the potential to outlast us — to shape the world long after we're gone. In doing so, we find a sense of purpose that goes beyond a fleeting moment.

II

In a small, unassuming workshop in the heart of Nara, Japan, a master papermaker named Hideki carefully dips his mold into a vat of pure, crystal-clear water. With practiced movements, he scoops up a thin layer of pulp, each fiber carefully prepared according to centuries-old traditions. This is the art of washi, the ancient Japanese craft of papermaking, and Hideki is one in a long line of artisans who have dedicated their lives to preserving this time-honored practice.

For over 1,300 years, Genda Shigyō Paper Industries has supplied the finest washi paper for Shinto and Buddhist rituals across Japan. From the delicate gohei wands used in purification ceremonies to the sturdy ofuda talismans that adorn household altars, every sheet of paper from Hideki's workshop is imbued with centuries of spiritual significance.

As Hideki works, his mind wanders to the generations of papermakers before him. He thinks of the monks who first brought the art of papermaking to Japan from China and the countless artisans who have honed their craft in the centuries since. He reflects on the wars and disasters that have shaped his country’s history, and the enduring role that washi has played in the nation's spiritual life.

Hideki knows that his work is not merely a craft but a sacred trust that connects the present to the past. He is hopeful his work ensures that the traditions will endure for another one thousand years.

III

A revolutionary project is underway in the heart of West Texas. With a price tag of $42 million, The 10,000-Year Clock is designed to keep time for 10 millennia — a timeless symbol of long-term thinking.

Funded by Jeff Bezos, The 10,000-Year Clock is the brainchild of inventor Danny Hillis. Feeling that society had become too focused on short-term thinking, Hillis proposed the idea as a simple, daily reminder to think big.

The Clock is an engineering marvel. Housed inside a mountain in the Sierra Diablo range, it will remain protected for nearly an eternity. Its mechanisms are built from durable materials like stainless steel, titanium, and ceramic. It will operate with minimal maintenance.

The clock's chime system is particularly impressive. A series of bells generates a unique melody every day for 10,000 years. The most striking feature of the clock is its location. By placing it inside a mountain, it will remain protected from the natural elements — a unique commitment to the future.

IV

Throughout history, humanity has created structures that have endured for millennia. The Great Wall of China, Stonehenge, and the Colosseum are just a few examples. These wonders remind us of our ancestors' incredible achievements and the importance of preserving our shared cultural heritage for future generations.

The Great Wall of China is perhaps the most recognizable ancient structure that has stood the test of time. Construction began in the 7th century BCE and continued throughout various Chinese dynasties. The most well-known sections date back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE).

Stonehenge, believed to have been constructed between 3000 and 2000 BCE, consists of a ring of standing stones, each weighing around 25 tons. While its purpose remains a mystery, it has survived over 4,000 years without needing modern technology.

The Colosseum once held over 50,000 spectators. Built between 70 and 80 CE, it was used for gladiatorial games and public spectacles. Today, it’s a reminder of a spectacular empire that once was. Six million tourists visit the Colosseum every year, making it the fifth most visited attraction on earth.

V

Designed by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, the Sagrada Familia has been under construction for 140 years. Gaudí knew that his vision would take generations to complete. "My client is not in a hurry," he remarked, referring to God.

When he took over the project in 1882, Gaudí envisioned a church that would physically embody his deep religious faith. The design was a radical departure from traditional Gothic architecture. A long-term perspective allowed him to pursue creativity without time constraints. He focused on quality in every detail.

Gaudí himself died in 1926, with only a quarter of the project completed. Since then, the construction project has faced numerous challenges — a civil war, financial constraints, political upheaval, and debates over Gaudí’s vision.

Despite these setbacks, the generations of craftsmen who have worked on the project remained committed, understanding that their individual contributions would last well beyond their lifetimes. In an era of rapid change, the Sagrada Familia reminds us of the value of patience, persistence, and commitment.