The point, of course, is that the people who spent days and sweated buckets could also have taken an aircraft to the summit if all they'd wanted was to absorb the view. It is the struggle that they crave. The sense of achievement is produced by the route to and from the peak, not by the peak itself. It is just the fold between the pages. The avatar hesitated. It put its head a little to one side and narrowed its eyes. How far do I have to take this analogy, Cr. Ziller?.
by Iain M. Banks
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The passage highlights the idea that the journey to achieving a goal often holds more value than the goal itself. While some may choose an easier route, like flying to a summit, those who endure the challenge derive a deeper sense of accomplishment from the effort and struggle involved. The act of striving and overcoming obstacles is what truly matters, not just reaching the destination. This emphasizes the importance of the experience rather than the result.

Furthermore, the character in the story seems to reflect on the nature of this analogy, suggesting a hesitance to fully articulate or explore the underlying message. This indicates a deeper philosophical contemplation about the significance of struggle versus attainment. Overall, it invites readers to consider what truly defines success—whether it lies in the final achievement or in the journey taken to get there.

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