"I Don't Need a Sword. But I Have to Make Them"

A blacksmith's perspective.

I was listening to Deep Work by Cal Newport and there is a short story about a blacksmith named Ric Furrer and his process for making swords.

Furrer describes his process with this quote:

“To do it right, it is the most complicated thing I know how to make… And it is that challenge that drives me. I don’t need a sword. But I have to make them.” - Ric Furrer

I love this line. It captures the essence of the creative process. It’s about the journey, not the destination. Furrer makes swords because it challenges him. Mastery is his motivator. He doesn’t even need the sword.

Why do I make games? Do I need the money? No, I could make more doing something else. I make games because it challenges me and I love the process.

It is the most complicated thing I know how to do. I don’t need a game. But I have to make them.

Thanks for reading,
Ben

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