UKC

I'm just collecting ideas from mountaineers on what really motivates you to climb. I'm writing a large project on this topic and focusing heavily on how motivation has changed throughout the centuries e.g why Mallory would want to climb compared to Joe Simpson. Any personal views or ideas would be much appreciated.

In reply to Andrew Potter:


I was asked this by a pedant once, and i simply replied, "Because it's their."

In reply to Andrew Potter:

To tick the box on the list...

In reply to Shani:

It's not theirs, it's mine.

In reply to Andrew Potter:

Summit to do.

In reply to Andrew Potter:

Why not climb.
It keeps me happy, and as my mother would say "off the streets."

In reply to Andrew Potter:


I suspect it hasn't. Sorry to have to break it to you, but maybe best to divert your attention to another project.

T.

In reply to bouldery bits:

It's hard to top it.

In reply to Andrew Potter:

If Michael can do it... then so can I, I'll show him! (that was today's reason anyway)

In reply to john arran:

Subtle!

In reply to Andrew Potter:

To prove to my father I am worthwhile

In reply to Shani:


Because of Bear

In reply to Andrew Potter:

Ego, ambition, glory, sex, praise, inadequacy, stubbornness, pride, friends, curiosity.

Although to some extent it depends just what you mean by 'climb' and the type of climbing. I doubt motivations have changed much over time, as human nature hasn't.

If you haven't already read it, this is one of the best and most honest pieces that deals with motivation:
http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web17f/wfeature-alp57-threshold-shift

"...the real reason was for the after, for the adulation and acceptance and the slap on the back."

In reply to john arran:

It peaks my interest!

In reply to Andrew Potter:

I first got really into climbing to distract me from and help me cope with depression by throwing myself in the deep end.

Ive always been outside to marvel at the beauty of the natural world and now I climb to get to see the natural side from viewpoints I normally wouldnt.

I also do it to challenge myself both mentally and physically. but mostly to aim to do something I find as worthwhile.

In reply to Andrew Potter:

As a shorter than average person, its the only chance I get to look down on people!!!

In reply to Andrew Potter:

I climbed primarily because I enjoyed the physical process of climbing – a very natural thing (and the great sense of physical well-being that it gave rise to). Secondarily, the mental processes and sensations involved. Third, the beauties of the natural world surrounding it. Fourth, the people one climbed with, invariably great/balanced/humorous/good-natured/nice in all the best possible ways, and some life-long friendships. At best, it gave many very memorable, truly adventurous days.

In reply to Damo:

Good read that, thanks!

In reply to Andrew Potter:

I would recommend you try climbing and mountaineering to find out some of the answers.

I was out on a fell side today. The wind was blowing, the ground frozen, the mist was in, and no one else was about. I heard the call of grouse or some such in the cotton wool environment. I was too hot at one time, too cold at others. I was alone in the natural environment with my map and compass. Walls and long abandoned buildings appeared on the lower slopes. Higher up compass for navigation in a closed in world. My legs burned my heart beat and my lungs gasped at the effort at times. A world of a few hundred metres visibility. A peace and calmness settled upon me. I was at one in my environment. Contented.

In reply to Andrew Potter:

"Because we're insane"

In reply to TheFasting:

Many years ago I took a girlfriend to Sennen to introduce her to climbing. My climbing partner told me that no sooner was I out of earshot on the lead than she turned to him and said "You do realise that you are all completely insane don't you?"

In reply to Andrew Potter:
In summer the movement over rock. In winter FOMO, impending darkness and a fish supper on the way down the road.