The soul of alpinism is to travel light and fast through a dangerous landscape in pursuit of a personal star. That is ascent.

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.

The simple fact is this: when you goto Alaska, you get your ass kicked.

Our job as writers and thinkers in the time is how to bring about the occasions that let people have that first-person experience - or the metaphoric experience that allows them to see human continuity as opposed to total threat, total willingness to do violence.

When people conclude that all is futile, then the absurd becomes the norm.