To put yourself into a situation where a mistake cannot necessarily be recouped, where the life you lose may be your own, clears the head wonderfully. It puts domestic problems back into proportion and adds an element of seriousness to your drab, routine life. Perhaps this is one reason why climbing has become increasingly hard as society has become increasingly, disproportionately, coddling.
Interpretation
Risking significant loss can bring clarity and focus to life.
In this quote, Al Alvarez reflects on how placing oneself in high-stakes situations, such as climbing, can shift perspective and prioritize what truly matters in life. The notion is that by confronting real dangers, mundane issues become less significant, leading to greater mental clarity and a sense of purpose, particularly in a society that tends to shield individuals from serious challenges.
In practice
In a motivational speech addressing young climbers, you could use this quote to emphasize the importance of facing fears.
When neither high purpose nor the categorical imperatives of religion will do, the only argument against suicide is life itself. You pause and attend: the heart beats in your chest; outside, the trees are thick with new leaves, a swallow dips over them, the light moves, people are going about their business.
I became famous for the fact that I would break many, many limits. People said, 'He does all these crazy things.' But oddly it was a crazy thing only because scientists and climbers said, 'Everest and the 8,000-meter peaks without oxygen - impossible. Messner is becoming sick in his head.'
The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.
At the women's march, we held signs that said, 'Today we march, tomorrow we run.' They didn't believe us, but it's coming to pass.
I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.
What are fears but voices airy?_x000D_ _x000D_ Whispering harm where harm is not._x000D_ _x000D_ And deluding the unwary_x000D_ _x000D_ Till the fatal bolt is shot!
If I am good enough and quiet enough, perhaps after all they will let me go; but it’s not easy being quiet and good, it’s like hanging on to the edge of a bridge when you’ve already fallen over; you don’t seem to be moving, just dangling there, and yet it is taking all your strength.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.