From Chinese proverbs to Nietzsche, this treasury of quotes captures the emotional, spiritual, and humorous experiences we have when exploring our mountainous landscapes.

Inspiration arrives from all corners. The grandfathers of mountain musings are here, of course - Mallory, Thoreau, Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, and Muir - as well as other celebrated climbers like Reinhold Messner, Conrad Anker, Lynn Hill, Chris Sharma, Tommy Caldwell, Beth Rodden, Joe Simpson, and Jon Krakauer. Further insight on the peace, tranquility, and sense of adventure found in climbing comes from more surprising sources: writers such as Shakespear, Mark Twain, Norman Mailer, William Blake, Annie Dillard, Dr. Seuss, Zora Neale Hurston, and D. H. Lawrence: actress Kate Winslet: personalities Aleister Crowley, Nelson Mandela, and Bob Dylan; and many more.

Climbing legend Ed Viesturs introduces this thought-provoking yet whimsical collection and describes his own Zen-like moments at the top.