In Reply to: Re: Touching the void posted by Shae on June 29, 2005
: : : What does "touching the void" mean - esp. when related to mountaineering
? mean? What does it mean for mountaineering in particular?
: : Well, I couldn't find a meaning. But I am guessing that it means a near-death experience. The "void" meaning whatever is waiting for us. The great unknown
. I guess it refers to a near-death experience. "Void" means all that awaits us, the great unknown.
: : Anyone have the answer to this one?
Who can answer this question?
: My understanding is that it means to achieve the unachievable, experience the impossible. Something along those lines. I think that, in this usage, 'The void' is a vacuum, such as Outer Space, which cannot be touched, but to actually do so surpasses normal human experience. It's the title of a book by the climber Joe Simpson; the true story of how he fell into a crevasse on a high peak in the Andes and was left for dead by his climbing partner, and his lonely struggle to get out of the crevasse and back to their camp despite being badly injured. The title simply refers to his psychological experiences.
I understand it this way, it means achieving the near impossible, experiencing the near impossible . Probably something similar. i want to be here
"Void" refers to a vacuum, such as outer space, that is untouchable, and to do so would be beyond the ordinary human experience. It is the title of a book written by climber JOE SIMPSON; the book tells the true story of himself, how he fell into an ice crevice and his climbing buddies had to leave him to die; Severely wounded, he managed to escape from the ice crevice and returned to the camp on his own. The title refers to his psychological experience.
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