A look back after 17 years to a wonderful expedition exploring western Tibet and climbing Gurla Mandhata in this "Real - Not AI" entry.

There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that ‘my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.’
- Isaac Asimov

What is our obligation as climbers, as humans, when big goals are at stake? Do we help others, or continue on to a summit? Some thoughts on summits, ego, and humanity on K2, Everest, and in life in this Thursday Thought.