Consider what you want to do in relation to what you are capable of doing. Climbing is, above all, a matter of integrity.
Interpretation
Assessing your desires against your abilities is essential, and integrity is a foundational element in climbing and in life.
This quote by Gaston Rebuffat emphasizes the importance of aligning one's aspirations with one's capabilities. It suggests that true fulfillment comes from understanding our limits while also striving for integrity, especially in challenging pursuits like climbing, which can serve as a metaphor for life itself.
In practice
This quote can inspire young climbers to think critically about their goals and abilities at a climbing seminar.
I have been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It's a terminal disease with an average lifespan of two to five years post-diagnosis, and scientists don't know what causes it. ALS prevents your brain from talking to your muscles. As a result, muscles die. As a result, every 90 minutes people die. I am a person.
It is heroic to prepare for war with a tyrant power. Patriots will always win the admiration of mankind for daring to meet the bloodshed of battle for their country's liberty. But the patriot who is willing to go to that sacrifice will be the first to condemn the aimless and secret shedding of blood in time of peace.
I thought you'd rather have a live donkey than a dead lion.
LIGHT FROM WITHIN my friend, cancer got you damn it: you had it beat for seven years at least. how did it come back? Why all that pain. again. and you, such a fighter you fought me over and over with tears and words and promises. you fought for me with honesty and a light so bright it hurts my heart. sweet lorna. at peace now finally no more battles, just light from within a flickering candle in the dark burns with you.
To put yourself into a situation where a mistake cannot necessarily be recouped, where the life you lose may be your own, clears the head wonderfully. It puts domestic problems back into proportion and adds an element of seriousness to your drab, routine life. Perhaps this is one reason why climbing has become increasingly hard as society has become increasingly, disproportionately, coddling.
Some people are walking around with full use of their bodies and they're more paralyzed than I am.
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