Soldiers returning from the ravages of WWI struggled to adjust to civilian life. Seeking to fill a void in their lives many pursued adventurous activities. One of the most notably was George Mallory who gained fame for his particular boldness - the first summit attempt of Mt. Everest.
Mallory, an Englishman, spent time in New York City between a Himalayan exploratory expedition in 1922 and a future ascent planned for 1924. Upon hearing of this bravado the New York Times interviewed Mallory to gain provide insight of his adventures to their readers. At one point the interviewer asked Mallory “Why? Why attempt a climb of such surmountable odds?”...to which Mallory responded…”Because it’s there.”
It wasn’t the first time Mallory was asked the question. Some may interpret the contrite response as a sign of frustration; a sign of someone who tired of responding to the same repeated question resigns himself to a curt response.
I see it differently.
When I mention I am moving to Hong Kong people often ask why. I provide a rational and pragmatic response. I tell people that Hong Kong is a great place to live - its’ a lively culture that successful blends old and new; it’s advantageous position in Asia puts it at the forefront of future economic and political developments; it’s efficient, safe, and relatively clean; and there’s a wide range of dining and leisure activities.
There’s a reason I chose Hong Kong over other world cities - London, Paris, or Tokyo. I’ve always had a fascination with China and living in Hong Kong puts me at the doorstep of the country that will shape the 21st century and beyond - the U.S. and China are, and will continue to be, intertwined with a tightness that if you don’t have an understanding of China you do not have a full understanding of the U.S. So why not move to China - Hong Kong’s rule of law makes it easier to find finance and accounting employment; English is spoken widely enough that companies will consider outside candidates that do not speak Mandarin.
I provide this rational response more so to convince others of my sanity than myself. I recognize the craziness and challenge of a move to Hong Kong - while others make this move, few independently leave the comforts of the U.S. to do so. There are crazier, more challenging activities I could have pursued but that those would involve ending a career that, believe it or not, I enjoy. Hong Kong offers a chance to continue what I enjoy and an opportunity for future challenging adventures.
It is the challenging adventure component of the move that I can’t quite articulate. No volume of words on a page will bring someone closer to understanding the inherent component of my composition. Everyone has an extreme passion that when asked to define why that’s the case, are at a loss for words to rationally explain.
Which is why I see a deeper meaning in Mallory’s “Why Climb Mt. Everest” response. I think rather than being frustrated with a repeated question about his Everest summit, Mallory broke form from providing a rational response to an existential one. When you are pursuing your passions it’s quite simply…”Because it’s there.”
Mallory, an Englishman, spent time in New York City between a Himalayan exploratory expedition in 1922 and a future ascent planned for 1924. Upon hearing of this bravado the New York Times interviewed Mallory to gain provide insight of his adventures to their readers. At one point the interviewer asked Mallory “Why? Why attempt a climb of such surmountable odds?”...to which Mallory responded…”Because it’s there.”
It wasn’t the first time Mallory was asked the question. Some may interpret the contrite response as a sign of frustration; a sign of someone who tired of responding to the same repeated question resigns himself to a curt response.
I see it differently.
When I mention I am moving to Hong Kong people often ask why. I provide a rational and pragmatic response. I tell people that Hong Kong is a great place to live - its’ a lively culture that successful blends old and new; it’s advantageous position in Asia puts it at the forefront of future economic and political developments; it’s efficient, safe, and relatively clean; and there’s a wide range of dining and leisure activities.
There’s a reason I chose Hong Kong over other world cities - London, Paris, or Tokyo. I’ve always had a fascination with China and living in Hong Kong puts me at the doorstep of the country that will shape the 21st century and beyond - the U.S. and China are, and will continue to be, intertwined with a tightness that if you don’t have an understanding of China you do not have a full understanding of the U.S. So why not move to China - Hong Kong’s rule of law makes it easier to find finance and accounting employment; English is spoken widely enough that companies will consider outside candidates that do not speak Mandarin.
I provide this rational response more so to convince others of my sanity than myself. I recognize the craziness and challenge of a move to Hong Kong - while others make this move, few independently leave the comforts of the U.S. to do so. There are crazier, more challenging activities I could have pursued but that those would involve ending a career that, believe it or not, I enjoy. Hong Kong offers a chance to continue what I enjoy and an opportunity for future challenging adventures.
It is the challenging adventure component of the move that I can’t quite articulate. No volume of words on a page will bring someone closer to understanding the inherent component of my composition. Everyone has an extreme passion that when asked to define why that’s the case, are at a loss for words to rationally explain.
Which is why I see a deeper meaning in Mallory’s “Why Climb Mt. Everest” response. I think rather than being frustrated with a repeated question about his Everest summit, Mallory broke form from providing a rational response to an existential one. When you are pursuing your passions it’s quite simply…”Because it’s there.”