Professional climber Jonathan Siegrist discusses the prevalence of lying and deceit in the climbing community, the importance of honesty in climbing achievements, the potential for increased lying in climbing as the sport grows, and the importance of proof and pushing oneself to the limit.
Lying or cheating in climbing is not perceived as a significant issue, although climbers may omit details or bend the truth about their ascents.
Honesty and integrity are essential for preserving the core values and ethics of climbing, both among professionals and everyday climbers.
The pressures of self-reporting in climbing, especially on social media, can lead to temptations to omit details or exaggerate achievements, but transparency and integrity should be prioritized.
Deep dives
Lying and Cheating in Climbing
The podcast discusses the prevalence of lying or cheating in climbing, both at a professional and recreational level. While blatant lying is considered rare, there is a tendency for climbers to omit details or bend the truth about their ascents or accomplishments. Examples include omitting certain details about a climb or style, or failing to disclose minor deviations from traditional climbing practices. The podcast suggests that while some level of bending the truth may be relatively common, it is not perceived as a significant issue within the climbing community.
The Importance of Honesty in Climbing
The podcast delves into the importance of honesty and integrity in climbing. It highlights that the values of honesty, trust, and fair play are inherently ingrained in climbing culture. The podcast stresses the significance of maintaining honesty, not just within the professional climbing community, but also among everyday climbers. It emphasizes that honesty is crucial for preserving the core values and ethics of climbing as a sport and maintaining the integrity of personal accomplishments.
The Challenges of Self-Reporting
The podcast explores the challenges and pressures of self-reporting in climbing, particularly within the age of social media and public perception. It acknowledges that climbers, especially professionals, often feel compelled to present their accomplishments in a certain way that aligns with the expectations of their audience. This can lead to a temptation to omit certain details or exaggerate achievements for the sake of personal or professional reputation. However, the podcast emphasizes the importance of striving for transparency and integrity in self-reporting, even in the face of external pressures.
Ethics in Different Disciplines of Climbing
The podcast briefly discusses how ethics surrounding lying and cheating may vary across different disciplines of climbing. It suggests that while there may be more debate and scrutiny in bouldering due to the ease of lying or manipulating details, the overall sense is that lying and cheating are not prevalent or significant issues, irrespective of the climbing discipline. The podcast highlights the need for climbers to prioritize honesty and integrity in all aspects of the sport, regardless of discipline.
The Potential Risks and Future of Honesty in Climbing
The podcast raises the possibility that as climbing grows in popularity, the pressure to succeed and maintain reputations may increase, potentially leading to more instances of lying. However, it also emphasizes the inherent values of honesty and trust within the climbing community and the ongoing need to perpetuate these values. The podcast concludes by emphasizing the importance of the climbing community collectively upholding the principles of honesty, integrity, and fair play to preserve the essence and reputation of climbing as a sport.
