Because it's there
I was doing some reading about the Everest climbing season this morning. It seems to have turned into a real circus this year. 15 people have died already. Some of them were seemingly out to win a Darwin award, like the Swedish guy who tried to ski down, broke his skis, continued anyways, and died after plunging into a ravine. Recently, there was some controversy when a bunch of climbers stepped over a dying British climber so as not to jeopardize their own summit attempts. The guy probably could have been saved, but eventually succumbed to the altitude. Of course, the weather is a factor too, and several climbers have lost toes and fingers to frostbite. :O
Of course, it's brave and crazy people like that who have always made history ... they have sailed oceans, flown around the world, traveled to the moon, and on a less dangerous level, won Olympic Gold Metals, made significant inventions, and won Nobel Prizes. "Sensible" people don't do any of that stuff. They get an accounting job, save for a house, have two kids, retire comfortably, and die of old age without having seen or done much that is new.
But no one ever thinks back later in life, "I wish I had spent more evenings at the office", or " I wish I had watched more TV". At the same time, we deny pragmatism at our own personal peril. :/
On a less philosophical note, Sue and I had a great time in the Finger Lakes last weekend. It was kinda rainy, but we got in some sightseeing, hiking, and general relaxing time. I highly recommend "Watkins Glen State Park" if you're ever in Central New York. :)
Of course, it's brave and crazy people like that who have always made history ... they have sailed oceans, flown around the world, traveled to the moon, and on a less dangerous level, won Olympic Gold Metals, made significant inventions, and won Nobel Prizes. "Sensible" people don't do any of that stuff. They get an accounting job, save for a house, have two kids, retire comfortably, and die of old age without having seen or done much that is new.
But no one ever thinks back later in life, "I wish I had spent more evenings at the office", or " I wish I had watched more TV". At the same time, we deny pragmatism at our own personal peril. :/
On a less philosophical note, Sue and I had a great time in the Finger Lakes last weekend. It was kinda rainy, but we got in some sightseeing, hiking, and general relaxing time. I highly recommend "Watkins Glen State Park" if you're ever in Central New York. :)