Words to measure yourself by

October 29, 2007 | Filed Under Climbing, Inspiration, Heroes 

I read an interview with Reinhold Messner today, and these quotes won’t stop going round my mind:

I was the first man to climb the world’s 14 tallest peaks without supplementary oxygen, but I never asked how high I would go, just how I would do it. Climbing is more of an art than a sport. It’s the aesthetics of a mountain that compels me. The line of a route, the style of ascent. It is creative.

I put myself in the position of being at the end of my life looking back. Then I ask myself if what I am doing is important to me. Now that I’m nearing 59, I understand that failing is more important than having success.

If you look at my life, then one thing is clear. I did one activity at a time, with all my willpower, all my money and all my time. Complete commitment.

Reinhold Messner

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