"I was attracted to climbing mountains because of the physical dangers, but also the challenges, like 'mental fortitude, physical fortitude, judgement.' It's the intensity of the experience, at a sustained level. The experience is incredibly intense because it is so dangerous."

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To put yourself into a situation where a mistake cannot necessarily be recouped, where the life you lose may be your own, clears the head wonderfully. It puts domestic problems back into proportion and adds an element of seriousness to your drab, routine life. Perhaps this is one reason why climbing has become increasingly hard as society has become increasingly, disproportionately, coddling.

— Al Alvarez