The Empty Blade
A Philosophy of Engaged Living
A few days ago, I had a conversation with a friend.
I asked him to philosophize with me, just to explore ideas, share perspectives, and see where the discussion might lead.
He hesitated before replying:
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"Our philosophies probably don’t have much in common."
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That response stuck with me.
Not because I disagreed, but because it made me realize something: I’ve never actually tried to formalize the philosophy I live by.
It’s always been there, guiding my choices, shaping my perspective, but I had never written it down, never given it a name.
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So I took a couple of days to put it into words. What emerged is something I’ve been living all along: The Empty Blade.
What is The Empty Blade?
It’s a philosophy of engagement, action, and mastery, of cutting through illusion, finding meaning in the act itself, and embracing both discipline and uncertainty.
It’s about tending to the world with care, whether that means shaping a lawn, honing a craft, or confronting the abyss without flinching.
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If you read it, you’ll see the fingerprints of Buddhism, Taoism, Stoicism, and Existentialism all over it. I’ve wrestled with those ideas—studied them, tested them, let them challenge me—and in the process, I’ve pragmatically chosen what actually works for me.
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But while those traditions left their fingerprints, this philosophy has its own handprint. It’s uniquely mine, shaped by my own lived experience. It’s not just a borrowed framework; it’s a way of being that has emerged through practice, reflection, and action.
Why Am I Sharing This?
Because I know I’m not the only one who feels this way.
If you’ve ever found meaning in mastery, if you’ve ever been drawn to the idea that life itself is a kind of dance, then maybe this will resonate with you.
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I’ve put it all into a short document, free for anyone who wants to read. You can find it here:
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📄 Download The Empty Blade PDF
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If you read it and it sparks something in you, let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts.