Why Take Risks?

What does Krakauer say about why mountain climbers take such risks? Think of the kinds of risks people take, both physical and otherwise. Do his conclusions apply to other risk takers as well? In your own experience, when you have taken risks or seen others take risks, what do you think the reasons were? Do they match up with what Krakauer says?

Krakauer states that mountain climbers have little prudence, as they undergo great challenges for seemingly little reward. This is, of course, from the perspective of a third-person. I have to say that most risk-takers are like this. Since risk generally means that the probability of success is low, accepting risks can be seen as acting on a lack of prudence. In most cases, risks are taken when there is a (albeit small) possibility to gain more than what one already has.

People are also drawn to risk because of its excitement. Taking risks release a wild combination of hormones that stimulate the mind, leading to periods of pleasure. This can be derived from the anxiety of possibly taking losses, or from the feelings of living life on the edge, focusing on only the important things in life and savoring each minute. Common life is uninteresting and dull, and risks stimulate our minds.

Some take risks to embark on a sort of spiritual journey, or a way to get back in touch with their humanity. Our current society is replete with distractions - bills, taxes, trivial relationship issues - that it is too easy for us to forget our priorities in life. Taking risks sometimes may allow us to put the world and our lives in perspective and remember the characteristics of our lives that really matter.

Still others take risks to be able to boast that they have lived through them. Mountain climbers, bungee jumpers - these are the people who take unnecessary risks, most of the time so that they can retell their experiences to others. This is mentioned by Krakauer as well.