Built to Last

The more things change, the more they stay the same. — Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr

Yes, I borrowed the title from the famous book by James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras—not just because I like it, but because it perfectly fits the idea I have for this post. And don’t worry, this will be a completely different take.

So, here’s the idea: in a world of constant disruption, endless upgrades, and relentless transformation, some things remain remarkably steady, defying all trends and technological revolutions. These are the things that, despite the shifting tides around them, have barely changed—because they work, because they’re trusted, or simply because no replacement has ever quite captured their enduring value.

Take the humble pencil. In an era dominated by digital writing tools, tablets, and AI-generated text, the pencil has held its ground. Whether it’s architects sketching rough drafts, students scribbling in class, or artists shaping early ideas, the pencil still feels irreplaceable. It’s flexible, erasable, and reliable—a tool that’s as relevant today as it was centuries ago. You’d think that something as simple as a pencil would have faded out, replaced by sleek styluses or voice commands, yet it endures because of its perfect simplicity.

Then, consider the bicycle. It’s hard to believe, but the basic design of the bicycle—two wheels, pedals, and handlebars—has remained largely unchanged since the late 1800s. Electric bikes and scooters have arrived, cities have built vast networks of bike lanes, but at its core, the bicycle has stayed true to its roots. It’s efficient, sustainable, and beautifully straightforward. Despite all the advancements in transportation, from high-speed trains to autonomous vehicles, the bicycle remains one of the most reliable ways to get around.

Another unchanging icon is the circular clock face. In an age when digital displays can tell time to the exact millisecond, analog clocks persist. A round face, 12 hours, and two hands: it’s a simple design, yet it still hangs in schools, public buildings, and our homes. There’s something innately intuitive about it—watching the hands sweep across the face to represent the passage of time. The clock face has stood the test of time (pun intended), unfazed by the rise of digital readouts and smartwatches.

And then there’s cash. Even with credit cards, online banking, cryptocurrency, and mobile payments, physical currency remains essential worldwide. Despite the proliferation of cashless systems, there’s still a strong attachment to tangible money in many societies. It’s anonymous, immediate, and universally accepted—a constant in an increasingly digitalized economy. In countries around the world, cash persists as both a cultural symbol and a practical tool.

Let’s also not forget the chalkboard. You’d think the modern classroom, with its smart boards, tablets, and projectors, would have no need for the old-fashioned chalkboard. Yet, many schools and professors still prefer it. Chalkboards are low-maintenance, they’re versatile, and, oddly enough, they create a tactile learning experience. In a world of high-definition screens, the chalkboard endures as a quiet, reliable piece of classroom culture.

So, why do these things last? Because they embody simplicity and functionality that no upgrade can truly surpass. In a field like innovation management, where we’re taught to chase the latest tools and methods, these enduring artifacts remind us of a key principle: sometimes the best solutions aren’t the newest or flashiest, but the ones that simply do the job and do it well.

All these pencils, bicycles, clocks, etc. illustrate a timeless truth. In a world of rapid change, they’ve proven that some ideas don’t need to be reinvented to stay relevant. They serve as a reminder to innovators, leaders, and creators everywhere that not everything needs to be disrupted. Some things are built to last, precisely because they haven’t changed at all.