What motivates people to test themselves to the limit?

[Honky Tonx]

After hearing of the sad death of Henry Worsley, it makes one wonder why people test themselves against Mother nature. I've trekked through blizzards and torrential rain in The Himalayas, swam with sharks, played with Big Cats, thinking that I was doing dangerous things, but being alone in the wilderness in temperatures of under -40c, now that is something else. Man has always had a sense for adventure but why?

 

[Gullflyinghigh]

After hearing of the sad death of Henry Worsley, it makes one wonder why people test themselves against Mother nature. I've trekked through blizzards and torrential rain in The Himalayas, swam with sharks, played with Big Cats, thinking that I was doing dangerous things, but being alone in the wilderness in temperatures of under -40c, now that is something else. Man has always had a sense for adventure but why?

I think for some people (and I do wish I was one of them) it's simply because it's something that's there to be done, regardless of the inherent risk in doing so.

It's hard not to respect it, even if understanding it is a little harder.

 

[tinycowboy]

It's a good question. I've never felt the need to push myself to the limit - the nearest I would get would be nowhere near this level. Even marathons, iron man, etc - I see people doing them at work, but it does nothing for me. I'm sure they are equally perpexed about me. I wouldn't say I necessarily respected someone who does this kind of thing, especially when there are loved ones left behind, but they've usually got a tale or two to tell.

 

[SIMMO SAYS]

After hearing of the sad death of Henry Worsley, it makes one wonder why people test themselves against Mother nature. I've trekked through blizzards and torrential rain in The Himalayas, swam with sharks, played with Big Cats, thinking that I was doing dangerous things, but being alone in the wilderness in temperatures of under -40c, now that is something else. Man has always had a sense for adventure but why?

Testing myself to the limit would involve having a Red Bull/Food at Kingston Roundabout and piece of fruit from The Farm Shop on the way to the Amex

 

[LlcoolJ]

I've trekked through blizzards and torrential rain in The Himalayas, swam with sharks, played with Big Cats, thinking that I was doing dangerous things

WOW! Are you BARE Grills?

 

[LlcoolJ]

Testing myself to the limit would involve having a Red Bull/Food at Kingston Roundabout and piece of fruit from The Farm Shop on the way to the Amex

[emoji23]

 

[bn1&bn3 Albion]

Adrenaline I guess, starts off with small adventures then to get that same "buzz" they need to do something bigger and better.

 

[Honky Tonx]

WOW! Are you BARE Grills?

No, just some soft pussy.

 

[LlcoolJ]

No, just some soft pussy.

That sounds just like BARE. Except that he's also made a career from LYING. [emoji6]

 

[Kalimantan Gull]

There's a buzz from reaching the top of even a small hill. I've done a few biggish mountains and that buzz is there, despite the pain. The achievement trumps the pain.

As for crossing the Antarctic unaided, however, thats something that has never been done before. There must be something else at play here, a desire to be the first..., dare one say, a desire to be famous?

 

[StonehamPark]

Man has always had a sense for adventure but why?

Because that's living.
Or a more scientific viewpoint; pushing yourself to new limits released endorphins which can be addictive. Therefore people push themselves harder and further to get that 'buzz'.

 

[OzMike]

Same answer to, 'why climb a mountain?'