A 13-Year-Old Takes On Everest, and Sets Off a Debate

Re:A 13-Year-Old Takes On Everest, and Sets Off a Debate by chr15 on Thursday May 20, 2010 @09:14AM (#1363914)

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!

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Re:A 13-Year-Old Takes On Everest, and Sets Off a Debate by Tichy on Thursday May 20, 2010 @09:21AM (#1363931)

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...

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Re:A 13-Year-Old Takes On Everest, and Sets Off a Debate by chr15 on Thursday May 20, 2010 @09:34AM (#1363957)

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.

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