There is no joy involved in climbing mountains, there is simply the challenge, the self-invented challenge, the play.
This quote highlights the intrinsic motivation behind extreme pursuits like mountain climbing. It suggests that the essence of such activities isn't about pleasure or external rewards, but rather about the personal challenge and the imaginative sense of play. The act becomes a form of self-discovery and expression, where the joy lies in overcoming one's own limits and engaging in a creative process of risk and exploration. Such mindsets can inspire us to focus on internal growth and the fulfillment derived from pursuing passions that push boundaries.