Have you heard about Lincoln Hall? He's the guy who died on Mt. Everest and was left there. Unfortunately for Hall, he wasn't dead. Fortunately, another team of climbers found him and rescued him. And of course he's written a book about the experience.
I've no doubt the determination of the people who climb Mt. Everest. I'm sure they climb other things before they go so they sort of know what they are doing. But here's my thought. What the hell for!? More than 200 people have died in an attempt to climb that mountain. Many others lose body parts due to exposure. Sure, IF they make it up and back they can brag that they did it. And write a book. And go on TV. Big deal. I believe that kind of will and determination should be better spent on endeavors that will benefit the societal whole. Can you imagine if those people got together to eradicate homelessness or hunger or cancer or AIDS? Wow! Or to educate children in places where school isn't even a dream. I'm sure there must be something that drives people to do these things that so many others can't begin to understand. Maybe it's just for the thrill. But couldn't it be just as thrilling to know that you've made a difference in the lives of others? And when Lucky Lincoln was asked on NPR why he climbs, after hemming, and hawing, he basically said it's the thrill. On the mountain he has a goal. You either get up there or you're done. Wow. That's passion.
Just my 2c for the day!
I've no doubt the determination of the people who climb Mt. Everest. I'm sure they climb other things before they go so they sort of know what they are doing. But here's my thought. What the hell for!? More than 200 people have died in an attempt to climb that mountain. Many others lose body parts due to exposure. Sure, IF they make it up and back they can brag that they did it. And write a book. And go on TV. Big deal. I believe that kind of will and determination should be better spent on endeavors that will benefit the societal whole. Can you imagine if those people got together to eradicate homelessness or hunger or cancer or AIDS? Wow! Or to educate children in places where school isn't even a dream. I'm sure there must be something that drives people to do these things that so many others can't begin to understand. Maybe it's just for the thrill. But couldn't it be just as thrilling to know that you've made a difference in the lives of others? And when Lucky Lincoln was asked on NPR why he climbs, after hemming, and hawing, he basically said it's the thrill. On the mountain he has a goal. You either get up there or you're done. Wow. That's passion.
Just my 2c for the day!
3 comments:
DH and I watched a documentary about Lincoln Hall on National Geographic Channel a couple of weeks ago...and I was having the very same thoughts as you!
I haven't watched or heard about this guy but you got a good point there. I guess people are driven by different things but I share the same opinion as yours.
very good point, it is the same for any (professional)sport too, the desire to be the fastest, strongest, captain of the team. Look at the olympics
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