Mount Everest fascinates me. For as long as I can remember, I have read and watched anything and everything about people’s attempts to climb the tallest mountain on earth. I watched the “Beyond the Limit” series on the Discovery Channel, and the IMAX movie. I read the Krakauer book ,”Into Thin Air”, and the mediocre TV movie it inspired. I’ve read books about Hillary & Norgay (The First pair to summit, and Mallory & Irvine (the pair that might have beaten them by 29 years). It is amazing to read about these climbers.
Everest is in the news again because the brief climbing season of 2012 just ended. And it was rough one – at least four people died. But the fear of death doesn’t stop them. Since 1953 over 3000 people have reached the top of Everest. Just a couple of weeks ago a 73-year-old woman summited. The oldest man was 76. A couple of years ago, a 13-year old reached the top. In 2001, a blind man made it to the summit. (At least that’s what they told him. No hate mail – it was a joke.)
In fact, there were so many people trying to climb Everest this year, that there was a huge traffic jam. 150 people in one day, 200 people the next. See the dark line in the following photo? It is made up of climbers waiting for their turn.
Some estimates say over 3000 people have stood atop Everest. Over 200 people have died trying – and most of their bodies are still up there. That is about 7.5% death rate.
So why am I so fascinated by Everest? Is it because climbing Everest represents the ultimate battle between man and nature? Is it because it tells tales of what strong men and women can endure? Is it because “It’s there”?
Not really. The reason I am so fascinated by climbing Everest is because I think it is the worlds greatest representation of pride and selfishness – completely driven by ego. I am constantly baffled by the entire process – and I watch out of a morbid curiosity to understand better.
Why would I risk my life, and risk leaving my EC a widow, and my kids as orphans to go climb a mountain that thousands of other people have climbed? (Or for that matter, a mountain that nobody has ever climbed.) In this case, a mountain that a 76-year-old man can climb. Would I play Russian roulette with a gun that had one bullet and 10 empty chambers? Nope. I recall tragic stories of men stranded and dying on top of the mountain phoning home to say their last goodbyes to their devastated wives and children. (I would be sooooo mad.)
And the point of saying I climbed Everest is what, exactly? “I stood on top of the world, next to grandma?” “I spent years of my life and huge amounts of money to be able to say “Lookie what I did!” – Knowing full well that the only reason I even got to the top is because I hired some amazing Sherpa to drag me there.”
I don’t get it. I don’t understand how so many people either live their lives in a vacuum, or think they live their lives in a vacuum, that they can risk death doing something that has absolutely no real purpose or meaning – just for ego. Does my life really impact so few people that I can throw it away to cross an item off my “bucket list?”
Then again, I don’t understand a lot of things we do. We sacrifice time, talent, and money chasing things that do not matter. Sure, they might matter to us, but that doesn’t make them matter. We can convince ourselves that most anything is important if we try hard enough, or invest enough time, money and energy into it.
At the end of the day, we have plenty of mountains to climb that are full of risk and adventure. Mountains that really matter to us and to God. Why go chasing ones that might kill us?
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A 13 year old?! Who is their mother?!!
The movies Secretariat and The Astronaut Farmer bugged me for the same reasons. They were both about people whose “dreams” were more important than their families and lives. I worry that it is a growing message to the world- that “following their dreams” is more important than living good lives. (Not that the two have to always be mutually exclusive).
I’m surprised no one else touched on my pet peeve. I hate it that we feel the need to rescue climbers who have intentionally put themselves in danger and gotten caught in it. Wait, I put that wrong. I’m happy to try to rescue them, but not at the peril of the rescuers. I remember watching a movie (K2? it was based on a real story) a while ago and hating it. Most of the rescuers died. I do not think it is okay to put yourself in a position that puts others in danger as well. That’s definitely irresponsible.
I have to say I agree with you, especially after watching that show last year. My husband was really into it, and I had to stop watching it. People were dying, losing toes, calling their wives. I found myself yelling at the tv – “YOU HAVE A WIFE?!?! Do you not like her? What are you doing on Everest?!?!”
Yes, some people may have a spiritual journey, or an inner calling, or whatever else that can only be accomplished by climbing (or attemtping to climb) Everest. But honestly… Any man (woman) that puts their personal wants (ego, validation, competition, self-esteem) above the future lives of their family is selfish. And stupid. And deserves to be yelled at from my living room couch.
And no, these people are not called to the mountain by God. That comparison doesn’t work.
I wish I could keep track of the “Anonymouses”.
I also promise that I won’t bring up if we are making good use of our time as we WATCH people climb Everest on TV.
Don’t really feel that the word “evil” belongs in this conversation…
I think you would be hard-pressed to make the case that any of the people who climbed Everest were summoned there by God, so He could instruct them how to lead a nation – so I don’t think the Moses/Nephi analogy works.
“Needs” that defy description are usually just “wants.” I have yet to hear the Brethren at General Conference encourage us to go climb Everest, but they do ask us to “lift where we stand”, raise good kids, and serve missions.
I will say that in some cases, such as Erik the blind climber, much good can come from the experience as a vehicle to encourage others.
I kind of wish that you had been a little more constructive and objective in your response to my comments. I don’t think I’ve said anything offensive or really beyond the pale. Was just trying to offer some different (and I think fully valid) points of view. It’s tempting, when people disagree with each other to be dismissive. It occurred to me, for example, that some of your analogies also aren’t perfect, but I was still interested in what you had to say. Not really feeling like you were very interested in my comments. 🙁
Robert: I don’t think you said anything offensive at all. I was glad you commented – even though the basis of your comment was to disagree with me. I don’t mind.
That said, please do not take offense if I disagree with you. I am interested in your comments – I just think that this time you got it wrong. But remember, it is only my opinion, and it is worth exactly what you pay for it.
If I had been trying to be dismissive, I wouldn’t have responded at all, or published your follow-up. Hope you are OK with me…
I suppose I’m fairly amazed at all the “me too” comments on your post. With respect, I think there are a couple of different ways of looking at it. I certainly don’t think the desire to climb Mount Everest is always “completely driven by ego.” Think of Moses, and the command to climb Sanai, or Nephi, or other prophets who went into the mountain. But beyond a narrower scriptural view, and just looking at it in terms of humanity. Sometimes people have needs to do things that just defy description. I can imagine the need to climb everest — for whatever reason — for a spritual journey, for any number of personal sacrifices, or whatever. I do agree that there are probably a number of people who do it out of pride or ego, as you say, but I think you’re probably vastly overstating the number of people who fall into that camp. Naturally, anyone with a desire to do something dangerous should take every precaution, and make sure they have their priorities in place. But a desire to climb the world’s tallest mountain (or go into outerspace or dive deep into the sea or do any other amazing thing that stretches the human experience) I do not count as inherently evil. There are many reasons for doing such things (“not compelled in all things”), and having it be right.
This has actually been excellent food for thought because I’m writing a screenplay that tests a man against nature (including impossible mountains), and you’ve pushed me to think about it.
I’ve never had any desire to do extreme anything: scuba diving, rapelling, going into space, off road vehicles, white water rafting, etc. I always been a little ashamed of that–thought I must be lazy or wimpy or something. Now I realize that I’m just wise. Thanks MMM!
I have desired to do almost all of those things, and have done several. BUT, I have tried not to get to obsessive over any of them to where they take me away from my family, and divert a lot of my resources.
Paul brought up a great point – what about white-water rafting if I take my sons?
For me it is more about the depth of commitment to a hobby vs what I should be committed to. No man can serve two masters…
I think similar things about marathons and rock concerts that blast your ears off so you can get a tiny glimpse of someone on stage.
I like rock concerts….
I’ve been thinking about this overnight. The relationship between the idea of climbing Mt. Everest (or other such goals) compared with covenants we make to consecrate ourselves to the Lord’s service present an interesting dilemma.
If climbing Everest is foolhardy and selfish, is climbing ANY mountain that way? Mt. Fuji? Mt. Ranier? Is it different if I take a troop of boy scouts along?
These are questions that Nibley poses in his essay (and subsequent collection of essays) Approaching Zion. And everything I do can be viewed through that lens of whether it is a consecrating (or consecratable) act.
We could walk it further down the road to what career a person chooses. Is one career better because it pays better (and allows more resources for contribution) or one that takes less time (and allows more time for service)? Are those who rise to the top of their field better because they can subsequently consecrate their skills to the kingdom (as many of the general authorities hvae done) or those who are the “steady Eddies” who can leave when the shop whistle blows allowing them to man the cub scout troop?
Tough questions, MMM.
Paul – this idea deserves a much deeper look. I think anytime we emerge from a temple session, we would be hard-pressed to make a case that our time is our own, to do with what we please.
I’ll probably dig in a little deeper – after I have given it more thought and done some repenting.
So, when I was in 8th grade, we had this presentation about “self esteem” and goals. They talked about some man and his ridiculous bucket list. Then they passed out the papers to have us make our lives’ bucket list — at the ripe old age of 13. I just remember sitting there thinking, “This guy climbed Mt Everest, but I don’t want to do anything like that. I hate camping and hiking.” It really put my little 13 year old self into quite a dilemma. I’d always thought the extreme mountaineers, were nuts, but you’re right, they are selfish to boot.
I’ve never thought of this in terms of pride and selfishness but now that you mentioned it, I couldn’t agree with you more! I think the same could be said for motorcycles. Do you know that one is 30 TIMES more likely to die if they ride a motorcycle than not? Yet I know many young dads who take that chance everyday.
AMEN! SO STUPID! I’ve heard of men going to space while their wife was home pregnant- it was that important? Important to potentially ruin your and the life of your family. And when others who agree say the same thing most are shocked. It was his dream. He’d pay any price, etc….
Sing this song to the tune of “if you’re happy and you know it clap you’re hands” :
If you’re retarded, selfish, stupid, etc and you know it (or don’t know it) clap you’re hands!
I loved this post. I love Everest too. In 2001, a blind man made it to the summit. (At least that’s what they told him. No hate mail – it was a joke.). Even before I read this I was thinking of this guy. Eric.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G08ouIfQEC4
If you like amazing race and discovery, you will like, nay, LOVE this show. Expedition Impossible: Kingdom of Morocco. I really love love love this team. Eric and his guide (Jeff?) are just so inspiring. I highly suggest watching Expedition Impossible: Kingdom of Morroco this summer.
We watched that show faithfully last summer. Erik and Jeff were amazing! I was as impressed with Jeff’s ability to guide and help his friend as I was with Erik’s ability to compete blind.
In my life, the Lord consistantly asks me to throw my energy into things that make no sense…at the time. It all works out.
I agree with you. But I don’t necessarily believe that either one of us is “right.” It’s all about acceptable risks and the ones we are comfortable taking. Each person has to look at the benefits vs the risks of the thing and based on their cultural attitudes, past experience, knowledge and understanding and then analyze it themselves. A lot of things that were considered safe in a previous era are considered dangerous now not because the nature of the thing has changed but because the time and environment are different. I’m not much of a risk taker in any kind of category. And I look at situations like what you’ve described and I would be livid if my husband did something like that. In fact, once he got to fly (he’s not a pilot) a little plane and I was terrified. But thank goodness somebody at some point decided to try the crazy thing called flight and get man into the air. NOW we consider it safe (although not everyone does!), but at first it was a ridiculous stunt that could get you killed.
I understand your point to a point – but the difference between being a Wright Brother, and being the 3,142nd person to stand atop Everest couldn’t be more obvious. One is creating something new that could benefit society – the other isn’t. I think our amount of risk should be proportional to the benefit it could yield. I know I have done risky things in an emergency situation that I never would have done if it had only been about ego.
Man, those Wright Brothers are ridiculously awesome. All of this flying goodness came from two brothers who owned a bicycle-making shop!
Can you imagine our lives without their efforts? Or Charles Lindbergh? Or Howard Hughes (even if he WAS a little off his rocker)? Or Bill Lear?
“I think our amount of risk should be proportional to the benefit it could yield.” That’s my point exactly. We weigh the benefits and the risks differently based on other factors. One of those things could be ego. For you, doing something for society is apparently weighted much more heavily than doing something for yourself. Some people diagnosed with cancer decide against chemotherapy in favor of quality of life. It’s not that one is wrong. It’s just that the emphasis is placed in different areas–the importance of the same benefit or the same risk is different to different people.
I agree with you…mostly. Where I differ is that I believe there is a right and a wrong way to spend our time and resources – it isn’t just based on our whims or desires.
For example, if I put the emphasis of my Golden Years on improving my golf game, rather than serving in the church, or on missions, I would expect to be held accountable for mis-use of that time. At my current stage in life, if I spent my time and resources chasing round the world climbing mountains, I would expect to be held accountable for that too. The fact that it is dangerous only makes it more irresponsible.
Pros for climbing Everest are similar to the pros we give our youth: it’s good to plan and execute something that is really hard. The eternal lessons to be learned can be awesome, inspiring and well worth the effort.
Cons? Well, there’s that life-threatening part. But so is driving to work (especially if you don’t wear a seat belt!).
There’s no risk I would ever climb Mt. E or bungee jump or any other number of risky things. I’m well past my inviincible stage of my life, and I’m too big a chicken.
But doing hard things? I’m a big fan of that. And hard things that matter are even better.
I think it’s great that people have goals. But I agree that there need to be proper priorities! If I die without climbing Everest, fine. If I die without keeping my covenants, then my life was a waste!
Conquering physical challenges is highly praised in our world, but becoming stronger spiritually is really looked down on, in most cases.
Just another example of building cottages in Babylon, to my mind. We ALL should look at what we’re spending our time, efforts, and energy on, and make sure it’s in line with the Lord’s plans for us and our families.
Speaking of which, it’s now time for me to get offline and back to life. 🙂
Great post, MMM!
MMM, I totally agree. Holly, you too.
When I was younger I enjoyed a couple of raft trips down the American River – the safer easy part. Once I floated down river outside the raft (in a life jacket) because I was with some laggers in a youth group. When we got to the river there wasn’t enough room in the remaining raft. So we put the youth in the raft and the other leaders and I went down on the outside. When I became a mother, I decided that even those safer, easy rafting trips were an unnecessary risk for someone who was now the most important person in the world for one precious child.
At the risk of impending wrath from readers I disagree ( sort of ). I love to hike. I also love to climb mountains. Having said that I do not climb mountains that are so high that I require oxygen to complete the journey. Neither are they as life threatening as Everest. I get what you mean about Everest specifically. I would also agree that the majority of those who have climbed it were all about ego. However, let me offer an alternative view from an avid hiker’s perspective.
My first hard hike was in Montana. I was in the back country and hiked about 7 miles (one way, up hill most of the way) into the West side of Glacier National park. Was it dangerous, yes. The area is known for it’s bears and the there was still snow on the ground. Have people died there yes. Not nearly as many as Everest and usually it involved an animal attack or extreme weather. So why did I do it? Well first of all I was young, very young. I was 19. At that time in my life I needed to prove to myself that I could do something that challenging. Later in my life I looked back and based my ability to do hard things on the fact that I was able to complete the hike. It gave me self-confidence. As I matured I realized that relying on myself only got me so far. There was an even stronger and better thing to rely on. However, before I found the church, anytime I needed reminding that I can do hard things, I went and climbed a mountain. It was through this (as well as other experiences not on mountains; I’m also an avid driver. I drive long distances…a lot. 🙂 that I started to learn how to rely more on the Devine and less on my own strength. My travels took me to Alaska and all over the Northwest and Canada. Having said that, I have never really had a desire to climb Everest. The mountains here were always challenging enough for me. 🙂
I agree that risking your life to climb Everest is dumb. However, my family often visits a local lake (ok pond) at least once a year. We went yesterday. For some reason, I always have to swim across and back. I’m no great swimmer, but I can slowly backstroke that distance without problem. My wife gets mad at me every time I do it. I don’t really see it as life-threatening, but I guess many better swimmers than I have drowned. I don’t think I do it out of pride, but I guess it’s time to stop or wear a life vest.
My EC gets irritated with me for not faithfully wearing my seatbelt – which is probably more irresponsible than climbing Everest.
I have to agree with your EC on that one, but maybe that’s because I’m used to Utah drivers. I’ll defend the state in general, but not its drivers.
Yes it is. Shame on you. And I’m not kidding. Buckle up. (It’s the single most important thing you can do if you’re operating a motor vehicle.)
MMM, here’s my chastisement for you; Buckle up! My dad didn’t and he’s now a quadreplegic. All his buddies were in shock because everyone thinks it won’t happen to them, and my dad was one of them. Something as simple as not buckling affects everyone in your family, even if it doesn’t result in death. The blessing is he’s still with us and as ornery as every. 😉
Don’t judge me!!! (Just kidding!) Thank you for the chastisement – you are all absolutely correct. For years I drove a car that had an automatic shoulder-belt that slid over when the car door shut, without any thought on my part, and I got out of the habit. I am doing better…
This post made me think of when Pres. Uchtdorf spoke about the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice. A good sacrifice–giving up something good for something of far greater worth. Very thought provoking post!
I’m kind of a wacko and I think most any dangerous sport that could get you seriously injured or killed is just not worth it. I know just about nobody agrees with me though. Stuff like breaking your back trying to ride a bull, serious brain injuries from motorcycle stunts, sometimes sports like football when guys go nuts smashing into each other and someone gets injured. But I know that’s crazy thinking to most.
Yet on the other hand I’m grateful for people who may have risked their lives to build certain bridges or make certain scientific discoveries. Hmmm…at least they gave up their lives for a cause that benefited others and gave the world more knowledge? It’s all kinda tough.
I’m agreeing here too! Climbing Everest goes in the category of other things one might choose to do that not only have no eternal value, but directly risk your physical body and life (another in this category for me is skydiving). It’s not worth it!
Why would ANYONE jump out of a perfectly good airplane?!
Now while I understand your point (and frankly, agree), I do want to point out a flip side comparison. Climbing Everest could just as easily be compared to our own goals of living righteously and obtaining our exaltation. Many are put on the earth, but a small percentage have the gospel and of those only a percentage will make it, and only through determination/endurance, obedience, and faith. Through those same things a hiker can summit Everest. Faith in their Sherpa, endurance and determination in their preparations, and obedience to the guides they employ. If I recall from many years ago reading Into Thin Air (and most disasters of the sort) it was a lack of one or multiple of those items which ultimately resulted in the deaths.
But, even with such a comparison I wouldn’t be willing to risk my life to climb that mountain. Thank you for the perspective.
There is no ETERNAL value in climbing Everest. Living righteously and obtaining exaltation benefits not only the one accomplishing it, but every one they know, love, meet, talk to, smile at, help, teach, show them the way.
I also 100% agree.
Wow… this one made me think. A lot. And I’m going to keep thinking about it… thank you!
I agree with you 100%! Especially when those people have loved ones…children and parents, brothers and sisters. It’s not just their life and future they are risking.
Sandy