vExistence
on a mountain is simple. Seldom in
life does it come any simpler: survival, plus striving toward the summit. The goal is solidly three-dimensionally
there- you can see it, touch it, stand upon it – the way to reach it well
defined, the energy of all directed toward its achievement. It is this simplicity that strips the
veneer of civilization and makes that which is meaningful easier to come by –
the pleasure of deep companionship, moments of uninhibited humor, the tasting
of hardship, sorrow, beauty, joy. But
it is this very simplicity that may prevent finding answers to the questions I
have asked as we approached the mountains.” ~ Tom Hornbein, Everest:
The West Ridge Source:
Willis, C. (ed.), 1997. Epic: Stories of Survival from the World’s
Highest Peak; pg. 220.