The Empty Vessels

If you’ve ever ventured out into the world you’ve likely noticed that the world is full of empty vessels. What are empty vessels? Empty vessels are people who physically exist, but they have nothing going on. They’re empty. They have no interesting thoughts, no interesting conversation, aren’t striving for anything, don’t stand for anything — they just… exist. Some empty vessels do have thoughts — but they are all negative. These people will be first to criticize, the first to drag you down, and the first to limit your growth.

Key Takeaways

• Empty vessels either have no substance or are conditioned to stay silent.
• Don’t waste energy on those unwilling to change; set boundaries.
• Engage when there’s a spark — your example can unlock them.
• Lead by example: speak freely, carry yourself with pride, show a path.
• Audit yourself: conversations reveal whether you’re adding value or not.

What Are “Empty Vessels”?

Some people make it through school, hold a job, maybe raise kids — but stagnate. No desire to learn, no curiosity, no positions, no service to others. Others actually have desires and positions but have been conditioned not to speak for fear of “offending” someone. Many have regressed into conversational boxes and avoid free thought. There’s hope for the latter — they need to be unlocked.

How To Identify Them

If you’re talking to someone and they remain on boring, uninteresting, “safe” topics — or start talking about people — you may have met an empty vessel. They don’t have anything interesting to say because there’s nothing interesting going on in their life. Conversations feel like pulling teeth. You’ll leave feeling unfulfilled, like you wasted your time — or worse, drained of energy. It might take multiple exchanges to see the pattern.

Should You Engage?

Depends. If they’re empty and uninterested in change, don’t engage beyond what your environment requires. If you do engage, the worst that happens is you waste time and energy and let your mood get dragged down. That said, people can’t drag your mood down if you don’t care what they think. If you sense there might be something inside — engage. You might light their torch.

Can They Change?

Depends. Some are just empty and either can’t or won’t change. Others are only empty on the outside and need a spark. If you’re willing, try to be that spark.

How To Spark Change

Set an example. Speak freely, carry yourself with confidence and pride, and live a life an empty vessel would admire. You can’t change those unwilling to change, but you can throw a rope to those who are. If they seem interested in how you’re living or what you did to get there, throw the rope. Some will take it; some won’t. Don’t keep throwing ropes to those uninterested in change. When they’re ready, they’ll reach for it.

Am I An Empty Vessel?

You might be — and you probably wouldn’t know it. What do you talk and think about most? It’s said that smart people talk about ideas, average people talk about events, and dumb people talk about people. Are people engaged when talking to you? Do others leave fulfilled? Are you genuinely interested in others? Do you offer value? Do you speak freely or only “safely”? Do you avoid disagreement? Does what you say help? Do you have goals and a mission? If you still can’t tell, ask someone you trust who is not an empty vessel — they’ll tell you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I identify an empty vessel?

Look for people who default to “safe” topics or gossip, avoid ideas, and leave you feeling unfulfilled; repeated shallow exchanges are the giveaway.

Should I engage with empty vessels?

Only if there’s a chance they want change. Otherwise, set boundaries to protect your time and energy.

Can empty vessels change?

Some can — especially those conditioned to stay quiet. They need a spark and an example more than a debate.

How do I help someone change?

Lead by example. Speak freely, carry yourself with confidence, and offer a rope when they show interest — don’t force it.