The Highest Point

Today we have just been informed that Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay have reached the summit of Mount Everest, from Nepal, the highest point on earth.

By: James Morris

Letter to the Editor:

The Highest Point

Dear James,

I have just read your article on the two men who have recently reached the summit of Mt. Everest. It really gets me thinking about life, and goals, and if people really try to reach the highest points in their lives, or just settle for mediocrity.

It brings me to compare life to something like a river, but more uncertain, more like white water rafting.

I've never been, but it seems fairly wild and exciting, and unexpected.

I think people are afraid to take chances. If they don't do anything risky they won't face the rewards or consequences of that risk. By their refusal, refusal to live on the edge, they are saved, and lose their chance of ever really knowing what's around the river bend.

They are afraid of what the world holds that could be dangerous, or inconvenient. The deadly rapids of life. Those who never take chances, never seek the full potential of what they could get out of life.

But to those who dare the knowledge, and respond to challenges in an optimistic and adventurous way, end up with rewards, and much gratification. Something beneficial to their lives, they have grown in a way, they have changed for the better.

Though when people try, really give something their all, and then fail, we in turn become discouraged. For if someone as great, skilled as he or she can't do it, then what hope do we mere average citizens have? Do you think Hillary and Norgay, when they were planning their expedition, looked back upon the expedition of George Leigh Mallory, and Andrew Irvine, who in 1924 took on Everest and were never seen again? No, they were not discouraged; they turned away from that defeat, and jumped into the raft, hypothetically speaking, ready for the white rapids that Mt. Everest would throw at them.

How will we ever find out what it took, or what it takes to have the courage to do something, unless we really try, and jump into the challenge with both feet. Then we will find out what it's like to do something worth it, where one or two have won, and finish the ride, with all paddles intact. Everyone still got a little wet, but in the end all that mattered was taking the first step.