You are wrong if you think Joy emanates only...from human relationships. God has placed it all around us...and all you have to do is reach for it.

That's what was great about him. He tried. Not many do.

In climbing, having confidence in your partners is no small concern. One climber's actions can affect the welfare of the entire team.

I was dimly aware that I might be getting in over my head. But that only added to the scheme’s appeal. That it wouldn’t be easy was the whole point.

Most climbers aren't in fact deranged, they're just infected with a particularly virulent strain of the Human Condition.

The sad end he met in Afghanistan was more accurately a function of his stubborn idealism - his insistence on trying to do the right thing. In which case it wasn't a tragic flaw that brought Tillman down, but a tragic virtue.

Mr. Franz, I think careers are a 20th Century invention and I don't want one. You don’t need to worry about me; I have a college education. I’m not destitute. I'm living like this by choice.