As I noted, he’s most likely on the Autism Spectrum - likely Asbergers. One trait they have (and it’s a spectrum disorder so everyone is differently impacted) is difficulty in navigating social situations and interacting with others in a “normal” way - hence friends calling him “Spock”. STEM fields are filled with Aspies and the like who are far more comfortable with computers than people. Doesn’t make him less of a man. He’s a great guy by all accounts.
Likely 1000s of hours on the wall and off. He’s been studying it for years.
His MRI showed a high tolerance for stress..or was it a lack of emotional response. Is that true of all or most autistic people? Have they done MRI studies on them?
I don’t think there’s been a mass study, but wouldn’t surprise me. As for one of the classic signs of Autism, lack of eye contact is a biggie. For “normal” humans, this is a very off-putting trait as we interpret this as demonstrating that they can’t be trusted since they don’t like to “look me in the eye”.
Not surprising. These people may never be prom kings or presidents of their Fraternity, but many become massive successes in fields where insane attention to detail and ability to hyperfocus is rewarded.
Not sure about that. Have you ever seen a mountain climber that's even a little overweight?
I’ll defer to your judgement about his Asbergers traits. But for whatever the cause, he doesn’t strike me as someone who would make a loving spouse as the symptoms seem to get in the way of a two way rewarding emotional relationship. It would take a very understanding partner to be able to overlook the symptoms and accept him the way he seems to be.
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Oh I totally agree with you as to his relationship prospects. During the film, it’s clear she may not be able to accept him as is. I thought their exchanges were hilarious - bubbly sorority girl and gifted misfit and societal outlier.
I know. You know he lives, but still. The most nerve-wracking part for me was after he got past the boulder problem and was almost there, but had to work around that angle before the final pitch. The camera angle showed just how mental the climb was. That was when one of the spotters on the ground was exclaiming how exposed he was at that part. Terrifying stuff.
Hah! I was at Yosemite in May and went to Taft Point and the Fissures. If you haven’t been there, it’s incredibly exposed with only one, 10 foot long railing at the very point. Everywhere else along the jutting point and sides is nothing. I was like a cat approaching water - maybe my head leaning forward, but all my other weight about 8 feet back. I’m not really afraid of heights, but that place was spooky.
This^^^^^. Anything less than perfect would have been instant death. To say he failed 25% of the time on El Cap doesn’t make sense. He absolutely without a doubt batted 1.000.
Interesting, I found him to be highly intelligent and very likable. He was honest with his girlfriend about who he was and his ability to get too close to people, especially intimate relationships.
These guys certainly don’t have to worry about pensions, 401ks and life insurance.
This guy is just amazing, and holy shit are his hands huge!! All that climbing has given him bear paws.
