Blog #28: Nature Writing

Thesis: Mental strength is more important than physical strength because it keeps the climber from making irrational decisions and possibly killing themselves or others.

Much of what happened on Jon Krakauer's expedition could have been avoided if people had just kept their heads. For example, Anotoli is so intent on meeting his own goals and attaining his own achievements that he completely disregards the other climbers and goes almost solo to the summit. He had a case of "summit fever" and it cost the team dearly. He did not do everything he could to save the other members of his team, even though that's what he agreed to by going on the trip.

Another example is Rob Hall. He gave up so fast that he just curled up into a ball and waited for death. Maybe his physical strength was up to the task 9which, as it happens, it wasn't) but he obviously did not have the mental capabilities required to climb with so many people.

The final example is Krakauer himself. Krakauer was able to control his feelings and emotions and not get caught up in reaching the summit. If it weren't for his incredible self control he could have just as easily been killed or seriously injured while climbing Everest.