Humour Quote by Jon Krakauer
““One of the differences between us was that Marc wanted very badly to climb the Eiger, while I wanted very badly only to have climbed the Eiger. Marc, understand, is at that age when the pituitary secretes an overabundance of those hormones that mask the subtler emotions, such as fear. He tends to confuse things like life-or-death climbing with fun.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer, 1997
The quote contrasts the drive for achievement with the desire for mere experience, noting how hormones can mask fear and blur life‑or‑death stakes.
In simple terms: Climbing vs. experiencing; hormones hide fear.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the difference between wanting and having.
Themes
achievement
experience
fear
biology
motivation
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- mountaineering
- personal goals
- adrenaline‑driven activities
Key Concepts
hormonal influence
risk perception
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you chase goals for the experience or the achievement?
- How do hormones affect your risk assessment?
A Different Perspective
The thrill can become reckless without self‑awareness.
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![“But [Everett] and McCandless, at least they tried to follow their dream. That’s what was great about them. They tried. Not many do.” quote by Jon Krakauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9a0/jon-krakauer-1557_dream_but-everett-and-mccandless-at-least-they_70025.jpg)
![“Continually question climbing pursuits. Do they draw one back to the climbing community? Or do they lead along the [inner-directed] path? This questioning generates a tension that is heightened by disillusionment. Ultimately, one reaches an emptiness, and this is where our basic spontaneous nature…” quote by Jon Krakauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1db/jon-krakauer-1557_journey_continually-question-climbing-pursuits-d_78808.jpg)
