You're correct, it's not going to benefit humanity substantially. Climbing Everest is a huge physical and mental feat and can only bring personal satisfaction or inspire others. Spending all of your time trying to do something to benefit humanity is exhausting - you must take time off for yourself and live a balanced life.

I would love to climb Everest someday and experience that euphoric moment most mountaineers do when they reach the summit. I feel like life (and happiness in general) is about experiences like this...at least mine is.

If you think repeating "wwiisoodkfhjsuuuggg" will bring you satisfaction then go for it!

I am just not convinced that gambling away one's life is the right approach to work-life balance :-)

There are countless other breathtaking things to do and see that are less dangerous. But I don't want to judge it - I simply can not relate.

Maybe one thing could be said for the kid, that he is "hacking" a loophole in society to finance his mountaineering ambitions, namely a fascination with records and young age. Is it a coincidence that at the moment several kids are trying to break the record for being the youngest person to sail around the world? He is now at a unique position to get financing for his project, which would not be possible at a later time of his life.

So if it really is just about seeing stunning mountain scenery and finding the money for it, maybe I can relate a little bit.

I'd rather be the youngest person ever who finds the cure for seven types of cancer or whatever...

I definitely see what you mean. I think I relate to it because I have a desire to break away from the monotony of the corporate world. It all depends on the circumstances you're in and what your own personal goals are.

What does humanity gain from keeping him in school "learning about dangling participles", as he put it?

If you can even frame justifying his existence in terms of what humanity gains from it, then still encouraging him to do whatever he can is good as long as it's something challenging and positive and not just dropping out.

Many people on HN would feel fulfilled if they started a successful startup... he gets his fulfillment from climbing mountains. I also think there’s something to be said about him inspiring other kids (and adults!) to achieve their dreams.

A successful startup implies changing the world for the better, whereas this record will provide entertainment for a couple of minutes at best.

But I don't want to judge it, it is just my personal opinion that it is a waste. I feel the same about other types of sports (ie Olympics). The one positive aspect I could see in it if sports people were experimenting with their health and others could benefit from what they learn. Ie the best diets, most efficient ways to train and so on. If they figure out how I can get by with 30 minutes of sport instead of 1 hour for the same effect on health, that is 30 minutes more that can be invested in startups and curing cancer. So I suppose it would benefit sports if drugs were legalized.

And of course the mental discipline aspect, being able to achieve whatever you set your mind on. But that seems just like "pumping up" before doing the real thing (something worthwhile). Risking one's life seems very inefficient for training up the courage to do something real.