Ourselves, Our Posterity
In this issue, read how both you and Notre Dame Cathedral are a testament to being antifragile. Also, get a glimpse of what lays ahead in Ourselves, Our Posterity.
Notre Dame Cathedral Reborn: A Tale of Antifragility and Aging Gracefully
On April 15, 2019, hearts worldwide sank as the roof of Notre Dame Cathedral was engulfed in flames. In the aftermath, there was doubt as to whether the twelfth-century iconic landmark could, like the Phoenix, rise from the ashes. Yet French President Emmanuel Macron declared what to many seemed unattainable, the goal of reopening the almost 800-year-old cathedral in five years.
On December 7, 2024, just months past that deadline, dignitaries from around the world attended the reopening of the majestic church. In his remarks at the ceremony, Macron said, “We must treasure this lesson in fragility, humility, and will.” His words strike a delicate balance, acknowledging the vulnerability exposed by the fire while drawing on the indomitable will to rebuild.
Fragility. The word reminded me of a book I read long ago called Antifragile: Things That Gain From Disorder*. From the perspective of the book’s message, Notre Dame’s rebirth transcends fragility. Rather than merely surviving, it has grown stronger and more meaningful, offering a powerful metaphor for aging as an antifragile individual.
Notre Dame: From Fragility to Antifragility
The fire initially revealed the cathedral’s vulnerability to time and calamity. But Notre Dame’s restoration was not merely an act of repair—it became a testament to antifragility. The reconstruction process incorporated modern technology and innovative materials, ensuring the structure would not only regain its former glory but also be fortified against future challenges.
Craftspeople from around the globe collaborated and merged ancient techniques with modern innovation to achieve remarkable results. Technological integration utilized advanced digital scanning for precise restoration and introduced enhancements to withstand environmental stresses. Fire-resistant timber replaced the centuries-old wooden beams.
Notre Dame did not just return to its original state—it transformed into a stronger, more resilient version of itself. Its story embodies antifragility: a system that thrives on challenges, becoming better rather than breaking.
Aging Gracefully: Lessons from Antifragility
Like Notre Dame, humans face inevitable forces of time and adversity. Macron’s call for determination and humility reflects the principles discussed in Antifragile. Fragility gives in to life’s pressures, and robustness merely endures them. Antifragility, however, thrives by adapting and growing stronger in response to difficult circumstances.
We can imagine aging from this perspective. Challenges–losses, health issues, or shifts in purpose—can spur personal growth. But only if we remain resilient. Physical exercise, intellectual curiosity, and social connections are the foundation of an antifragile life.
Perhaps most importantly, we must have wisdom that is wrapped in humility. Recognizing our limitations is key to antifragility. Accepting that we cannot control all variables allows us to recalibrate, innovate, and thrive.
The fire exposed Notre Dame’s fragility, much as aging reveals the limits of the human body. However, antifragility invites a reframing of these experiences. The cathedral could have remained a ruin, symbolic of loss. Instead, it became a rallying point for creativity and renewal. Likewise, aging as an antifragile person means taking active steps to cultivate habits that stimulate growth.
Antifragility: A Call to Legacy
Notre Dame’s rebirth underscores a powerful truth: fragility is not destiny. By embracing adversity with humility and will, individuals and institutions can transcend mere survival to achieve profound transformation. For those who strive to age gracefully, the lesson is clear. Like the cathedral, the passing years can be a renewal process, where challenges serve as the foundation for wisdom, resilience, and lasting impact.
*Antifragile: Things That Gain From Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Coming Soon To An Inbox Near You
I’m working diligently to bring you lots of engaging content. Stay tuned for special issues on
Travel Hacks
Painless Organizing
Being Wise and Wired: Facebook Essentials
Avoiding Internet Scams
And, so much more…