RRC Archives

I was reading a NY Times article about men and happiness. Sorry ladies, the research only looked at men, and I haven't read the article myself just yet. Here's what the Times had to say. The article said: "the most important factor in a happy retirement was learning how to 'play' again. The scientists define play as engaging in activities that are highly gratifying, lack any economic significance, cause no social harm and do not necessarily lead to praise or recognition from others." Sounds a lot like climbing. The happiest climbers are the ones who are just out there doing it and having a good time. So, keep on keepin' on climbing fools.

Roentgen Ray wrote:cause no social harm and do not necessarily lead to praise or recognition from others." Sounds a lot like climbing.

Man, you need to review this site more.

Is there a sport that causes social harm?

I think they are probably referring to Gladiator battles. Those guys are always getting killed and stuff. It's a pretty gruesome sport.

Honestly, you raise a good piont, those who climb and hope to have secondary gains socially or some kind of dominance over others becasue they are elite climbers aren't going to be as happy as peoples just out doin' it for fun. The ones that are causing trouble and aggresive about climbing or hoping for praise from others are, in fact, sorely disappointed, frequently. As for a sport that casues social harm, you name it. I'm sure more than one relationship has been destroyed or crippled by a climbers singular drive to climb and do nothing else. It's in the way you approach things that makes all the difference.

Roentgen Ray wrote:The happiest climbers are the ones who are just out there doing it and having a good time.

Thats the truth... Getting out there can be tough though, especially before retirment when you need pursuits of "economic significance" to keep things together...
Wish I were "just out there doing it" today... Sure is beautiful!

We decided at Indian Creek that if a route isn't rated 5.fun, it's not worth doing. So, that's all we got on out there. Woooohoooo!!

thats a good attitude. its fun to get on routes way above u sometimes but going out there and just climbing at your level and having fun, not worrying about having to send a project because i should be able to or whatever, just isnt my cup of tea. climb on and have fun and meet new people!!!!

For me, having fun is getting on routes and problems that I can barely do, or that are over my head. I am happy when I am trying really hard. And, while doing easier (for me) routes is fun once in a while, I feel the best when I am failing, falling, and getting better.

Wes
"semi-retired since '98"

Having fun is very individual. For me, its about pushing myself to the limit. I enjoy extremes. For others, its all about the chill. You gotta have the chill too, but there are many avenues to that one.

I was thinking we could add some Gladiator battles to our climbing. It's getting way to safe any more so we need to spice up a bit.