The Timelessness of Quality

Quality is timeless.

This simple idea cuts through the noise of our fast-paced, ever-changing world. We live in an age where trends come and go with alarming speed, and what is celebrated today is often forgotten tomorrow. Yet, true quality, in any form, endures. Consider the Eames chair, a paragon of modern design that remains as stylish and comfortable today as it was when first introduced. The Porsche 911, a car that has continuously evolved yet retained its core essence and appeal for decades. Or the Rolex Submariner, a watch that serves both as a diver’s tool and a fashionable accessory, maintaining its luxury status and durability through generations. These products weren’t just built to function; they were crafted with an enduring quality that transcends generations.

Yet, consider software. How many pieces of software have you used for more than ten years? Very few. Word? Excel? I guarantee the list is short.

Part of the reason is that software evolves quickly, often replaced by something newer, faster, or trendier – with the latter a thing that has become more and more common. It’s what’s cool, what’s in vogue—the new Notion, the Excel "killer", the email client all the VCs are using.

Unlike the enduring creations of the past, most software doesn’t last because it lacks the timeless quality that endears it to generations and when the network effects run their course so too does the usage. It's here today and gone tomorrow as we chase the next thing to add to our computer's dock. The enduring quality isn't there.

Quality isn’t just about durability; it’s about relevance. It’s about creating something so good that it remains valuable despite the passage of time. So relevant that it remains in your tool belt. It’s a reminder that while the world may change, the essence of what we truly value does not. In a world obsessed with speed, quality feels like one of the few enduring competitive advantages.