To those who have struggled with them the mountains reveal beauties they will not disclose to those who make no effort. That is the reward the mountains give to effort. And it is because they have so much to give and give it so lavishly to those who will wrestle with them that men love the mountains and go back to them again and again.

I always get nervous before a big trip or expedition. But especially this time, taking my kids to Mount Kilimanjaro. Within the nervousness, though, is excitement about the life lessons they will soon learn.

Emerging from the fog of...Depression? Lack of self-confidence and self-respect? All of the above? Some thoughts, quotes, and determination to move forward.

In 1962, James Baldwin wrote that many Americans are "trapped in a history they do not understand." How do we understand our history, especially one so tortured and tough as ours?