You learn over years of expeditions that having faith, and putting one foot in front of the other, you do end up pulling off climbs that seem completely impossible. There's a certain beauty to that. It has an allure.
Jimmy ChinRead
On climbs, there is a general way we manage fear. We look at things objectively, separating out perceived risk from real risk. You can really bring down the level of fear by knowing the real risks and setting aside the others. You also know that panicking just makes things worse.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Managing fear involves distinguishing between perceived and real risks.
In this quote, Jimmy Chin emphasizes the importance of approaching fear with an objective mindset, particularly in challenging situations such as climbing. By recognizing the difference between perceived risks—those that may seem daunting but are less significant—and real risks, which require serious consideration, individuals can effectively reduce their fear. Panicking only exacerbates the situation, and a calm assessment of risks allows for a more rational approach to overcoming challenges.
Themes
FearRiskObjectivityClimbingCourage
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming fears in extreme sports.
More from Jimmy Chin
All quotes →You do wonder - when you are at 28,000 feet, the height that aeroplanes cruise at, when you are struggling to draw breath and every limb aches - why do I do this?
Jimmy ChinRead
The two great risks are risking too much but also risking too little. That's for each person to decide. For me, not risking anything is worse than death. By far.
Jimmy ChinRead
Becoming a parent has changed the risk calculus for me. But it might be age, too, and seeing a lot of friends die in the mountains. Will I take the same risks I took in my 20s? Probably not, but I will always push myself in the mountains.
Jimmy ChinRead
The mainstream audience has a certain picture of what climbing is all about: man conquering mountain. But you can't conquer a mountain, though it may conquer you.
Jimmy ChinRead
It's hard to take people seriously who say you're totally irresponsible if you go out and climb mountains when you have kids, because they clearly don't understand the circumstances. You can't impose your own acceptance of risk on other people - that's not fair.
Jimmy ChinRead
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