In this week's newsletter, I revisit a 5 a.m. conversation in prison that introduced me to Tabula Rasa—John Locke's idea of the clean slate. I reflect on how I tried to fake it after prison, how that approach failed, and what it took to start building authentically. I challenge you to do the same: document your progress, build in public, and let the world hold you accountable. Whether it's a judge, a loved one, or a future employer—they'll review what you create. So the question is: will you build your slate deliberately, or let someone else write it for you?