Theme: Individualism and the group Flashcards
What significant change occurred in mountaineering since the first ascent of Mount Everest?
Climbing Mount Everest has largely become a group activity
Who were the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest?
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay
What does Krakauer argue about large mountaineering groups?
They are often more dangerous and accident-prone than solo expeditions
In which year did Krakauer join a large group for an Everest summit climb?
1996
What type of clients did Krakauer find in his climbing group?
Wealthy doctors and businessmen
What is a major problem with large climbing groups identified by Krakauer?
Lack of unity and psychological connection between members
Fill in the blank: A solo expedition to the summit of Everest does not have the problem of _______.
lack of connection between climbers
What practical issue arises from climbers in large groups going at different paces?
Faster climbers waste energy waiting for slower climbers
What happened during the 1996 Everest disaster when a snowstorm hit?
Clients did not work well together and some mistook each other for different people
What personal experience did Krakauer have during the crisis on Everest?
He mistook a climber for a different person
What motivates Krakauer to enjoy climbing mountains solo?
Machismo and ‘rugged individualism’
What change did mountain guides implement after the 1996 disaster?
Taking additional precautions to ensure climbers knew each other well
True or False: Large climbing groups are considered safe for climbers according to Krakauer.
False
What are some concrete benefits of climbing alone mentioned by Krakauer?
Independence and better decision-making in crises
List the types of climbers in Krakauer’s group.
- Wealthy doctors
- Businessmen
- Middle-class journalist (Krakauer)
