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The Daoist “empty boat” parable describes how people won’t feel anger if a boat that struck them is empty.

Influencers cite the empty boat theory to help people feel less anger and anxiety after perceived attacks.

Several issues regarding the true nature of anger and blame complicate the use of the empty boat theory.

Some principles of psychology are not at all new ideas. Eastern philosophies sometimes conveyed similar notions centuries earlier. But without science at the time to collect data on an idea or its implications, an ancient parable may have limits in describing the human condition.

An old Daoist parable I’ve seen more and more is the “empty boat theory.” In reels, shorts, and brief expositions, many content creators or self-help influencers have drawn on the parable’s power in trying to help individuals find peace and even to cure road rage (Siddharth M, 2026).

Among different tellings, you’re in a boat on a river in the fog when another boat collides with yours. You get angry but then realize that the other boat is empty—there’s no one steering it—and the anger vanishes. The boat must’ve broken free from its dock.

The general idea is that we can’t get angry because there is no one to get angry at. As conveyed by New York Times bestselling author Sahil Bloom, “After all, you cannot be angry at an empty boat” (Bloom, 2026). Anger arises from and needs to be directed at a person who has negative intent.

Why the Parable Makes Sense

Anger does often comprise feelings against a person. Anger expert James Averill wrote that “more than anything else, anger is an attribution of blame” (Averill, 1983). So when some TikTokers claim we can feel less anger and anxiety in interpersonal conflicts by viewing others as people simply navigating their own life challenges—like intentionless “empty boats” (Shannon, 2026)—it makes some sense.

I don’t want to undermine anyone’s peace from this idea, but several issues complicate the parable and what lessons we can draw. Fuller analysis may bring even greater peace for more readers.

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