Encore — Driving to the Danger

Extreme sports have taught me that humans are awful at assessing and tolerating risk, and it's turning us into anxious shut-ins. Here's how we fix that:

I mentioned at the end of my first year of writing Cole’s Climb: one of the hardest things about starting off is producing work you really love, knowing that no one will see it. I thought it would be fun to revisit some of these throw-back posts.

This piece is among my favorite things I’ve written, and originally was opened by an audience of 14 people. To the 14 of you who are seeing this for the second time: thank you for being among the first to believe in my work.

My friend’s dog, Stevie, keeping watch

A Crisp Autumn Friday at the Crag

My group stopped bouldering for the evening, resigned to pull off our cramped climbing shoes. We rested our feet on the dusty ground and watched the setting sun as it bathed the valley in an amber glow.

My friend’s dog kept a look-out for other climbers and animals approaching our position. Looking back, these were some of my favorite summer days.

After our first collective round of hard seltzer, one friend brought up the concept of risk.

“We come up here with all the gear. We spot each other. But still, don’t you ever wonder?” She asked. “I mean, how safe is it?”

We lounged on the improvised rock chairs that long since broke off from the rest of the slab, thinking. A gentle breeze swept through, twisting the flame-orange trees below our ledge.

“Not really,” someone else broke the silence. “Think of all the other stuff we do every day. I bet the most dangerous part of climbing is driving to the crag.” The hum of far-off cars drifted up the canyon, as if to punctuate her point.

She was right, of course. That’s not to say climbing should be taken lightly. Nor driving for that matter. But only one of those two activities is widely normalized, and we humans tend to feel safe in our routines.

Knowing more can Lead You to Worse Decisions

A few months later at the height of ski season, I rode the chairlift with a stranger. I don’t remember much about her, mostly because I couldn’t see anything. Snow fell hard. Lift poles, cables, and chairs seemed to float in a white void. Ground and sky were indistinguishable. I could hear riders and skiers braking, turning, and hollering below, but could not see them.

I do remember my chair-mate being a nurse. We got to talking about our respective skill levels, how she felt uncomfortable pushing herself into expert territory.

“It’s not about experience,” she explained. “I just know what can happen to you. I’ve seen the worst-case-scenarios.”

This isn’t without merit. Again, snow sports are enjoyable, but should be taken with precaution.

Still curious, I asked, “What do you see more of? Ski accidents? Or car crash victims?”

Riding “Panoramic Express” through the snowy void

She answered without hesitation. “Car crashes, by far.”

I told her the previous story from the crag. And after a moment of consideration, she nodded her head in agreement. “Yes,” she said, “The most dangerous part of skiing probably is the drive to the mountain.”

Abnormal Danger

During our lift ride, the two of us discussed why humans fret over abnormal danger, but passively accept commonplace hazards. We concluded the following:

• Humans are infatuated with the shocking and novel

• Increased attention creates a perception of increased frequency

• Commonplace danger feels mundane and forgettable

• Some dangerous activities — such as driving — provide such high utility, it’s hard to go without them

The utility argument interests me the most. It shows despite any handwringing protestations, society demands we place a value on our own lives and weigh it often.

Hopping in the car to work? You’ve decided it’s worth the small risk, to save yourself a few hours walking.

Trying a new climbing route at the crag? If you don’t value a fun thrill and good workout, you’re probably not willing to incur any risk to experience it.

We’re in a constant state of evaluation, balancing risk against reward. This doesn’t make us Devil-may-care idiots for commuting to the office, enjoying our favorite foods, or going for a relaxing swim.

These things are all a natural part of life. Besides, danger is inescapable; even in your own home where a faulty wire or leaking gas line could spell your demise.

Yet we don’t spend every second cowering before death’s specter.

Everything is Okay Because we say so

Since before you could speak, many of these activities have been heavily incorporated into your world. Someone put a value on those risks for you, and said you’re expected to pay.

In adulthood, everything changes. Overnight we’re expected to make our own assessments. Some take up the task subconsciously. Others, feeling lost, seek out a parental surrogate to tell them what’s worth the danger.

Don’t give up your own agency by deferring those choices to someone else. Absolute safety is impossible. Be smart, and don’t let fear take away your rational thinking.

I Want to Hear from You

I hope you enjoyed this post from the archives. Next week, I’ll be back with a fresh story. In the meantime: while I was taking photos for our next edition, I was thinking back to the era of film cameras and having to carefully choose your shots.

If you have, I’d love to hear about your favorite photograph you’ve taken with it.

Thanks for reading all the way down and voting in the poll. Thought I’d leave you with a cool view, as my way of saying thanks for scrolling all the way down here!