Crested Butte is for spectators; Chamonix is for participants.

Ultimately, I wanted to own a big truck, exercise my second Amendment rights, listen to hardcore music, and let my congressman know how poorly he represents me. None of this could occur in France.

Frostbite? I consider that a failure.

I don't actually care what I climb, only how it affects me. Which means the summit doesn't matter as much as the emotional process.

We may train ourselves to be adaptable as possible, to respond appropriately in each situation, but the ideal of controlling the outcome or steering events as they occur must be relinquished. Chaos rules it all.

Inconsistency, incompetence, and lies are all cut short by the ground. It will stop you if you can't stop yourself.

Relish the challenge of overcoming difficulties that would crush ordinary men...learn to suffer.