what is a classic according to me?

 ...You know how we use words...the right word, at the right place...it makes sense... but you don't know the full meaning of the word...you only have a vague idea what it means...or you cannot articulate if you were asked what the word means...

classic is one such word for me...I vaguely know what it means and use it appropriately but now I intend to write here what the word classic means to me....only after I have penned my thoughts, will I check the meaning in the dictionary.

Classic is any piece of art which has the following features.

It is timeless or  everlasting . By this I mean, it's not something, people will be interested in for a short period of time that is when it's new, followed by diminishing interest over time. It is not something relevant at one point in time, but relevant in all ages. It is something which is not a fad but of continued interest.

It offers something of great value...meaning, aesthetics, perfection, entertainment, etc. 

The quality is extremely high and rarely seen among other competitors (if it's a classic book, then few books are equal to it in quality)

It is creative in that there existed no such thing in the past...it's a totally new way of looking at things, a totally new style, etc.

Classics are rare and not common. Because it's difficult to create such pieces over and over again; pieces which are timeless, creative, high quality, of great value, etc.

They are of universal value and interest and not restricted by any boundaries. People of different cultures, people of totally different backgrounds will like it. It has universal appeal.

It is impossible or difficult to improve upon.

It pops back into people's minds over and over again, over years...it's eternal and immortal.

People will talk about it, discuss it, think about it, over and over.

It impacts and influences a maximum number of people.

People will copy a classic, imitate it, embellish it, work on it, etc.

Classics will have a large, loyal  fan base all over the world.

People of diverse backgrounds may unite over a classic. It unites and not divides people.

Classics have a positive influence on people...make them think, question, change, etc. Improve them too...makes them better people. 

Every year, new books, movies music, art, etc is produced. Many are forgotten as time passes. But every year,  new classics mark  milestones.

Classics are the benchmarks for lesser creative products to compare to, live up to, etc.