I recently read a fascinating ancient review speculating about the psychology of the first person to hike across the entire North American continent. It really made me think about the sheer willpower and mental fortitude required. We often focus on the physical challenges, the gear, and the navigation skills. But can you imagine the isolation, the constant problem-solving, and the mental stamina needed to keep going, day after day, for what had to be years?
The review suggested factors like an incredibly high tolerance for delayed gratification and an unshakeable belief in thier own ability to succeed as playing major roles. It also touched on the potential for what they termed “wilderness-induced personality shifts,” suggesting prolonged isolation and exposure to nature might have fundamentally altered the hiker’s perspective and priorities.
it makes you wonder if someone setting out on such a journey today, with all our modern conveniences like readily available GPS and resupply options, would experience a qualitatively different psychological journey than someone undertaking that feat in the late 19th or early 20th century. What aspects of extreme solo endurance tests do you think are worldwide across different time periods, and what aspects are shaped by the specific challenges and resources available?