The Trek
Peter started early from his home one morning. He was heading to the base camp for a trek with his friends. Peter, normally a responsible guy, was known to be a bit lethargic in his preparations and would not pack well enough. Well, subconsciously expecting friends to cover up, should he end up short. Four other friends and Peter started their climb at dawn.
A couple of hours into the trek and one of his friend, Alex, stopped. "Look, this path seems more scenic, let's explore this side", he said pointing in another direction. "No let's stick to our path", the others said in unison. "Well in that case let us part ways from here, adios amigos", he said and left the group. Peter was a little surprised that after deciding to stick together at the start, how soon had Alex decided to split.
A couple more hours into the trek and they had climbed quiet high into the mountains. While resting under the shade of a tree, a splendid looking peak caught the attention of a couple of friends. "Hey Peter, let's head in that direction, that peak looks splendid", said the two. Peter again insisted they stick to their decided path. Again the group split. Peter was taken aback, but had Michael for company. The two continued to climb.
Peter had almost forgotten he was a poor packer. Soon he ran out of supplies, but Michael shared some with him, though he knew the supplies would not last the journey when shared. It got overcast by evening and the duo thought it would be wise to turn back. Just then the rain came down, the two had already finished their supplies and tried to hurry down the slopes.
As they were scuttling across a flat patch, Michael twisted his ankle and could not go any further. They asked other hikers to help but none did. It was raining heavily and everyone wanted to get back. Some said they did not have enough supplies, some said they wanted to help but couldn't because of the rains, everyone had reasons to not help. Peter and Michael found shelter under a rock and the two sat there through the night. Wet, tired and helpless the only comfort they had on a cold night was the warmth from a little fire they got going.
Peter cursed himself for not being well prepared. In the darkness of the night, Peter had found a light inside himself. "Isn't life like this as well", he thought to himself. "We all promise to stick together, stand by each other and be there for each other but eventually life takes us on different paths. Very few stick together through thick and thin. One also needs to be independent because relying on others, whether emotionally, financially or in any other way, would mean you will be left wanting at some point. Being self reliant is the only way", he thought to himself.
Enlightened from within and with a smile on his face he helped Michael down the mountain the next morning. He took Michael to the first aid clinic and from there dropped him home. Word spread about how these two hikers had been stranded on the mountain. Michael gave up saying he would never climb again. Peter though, was a tough guy. He decided he would be attempting to climb within a fortnight.
Peter packed up for his trek, this time he accurately calculated the amount of ration he would require to get to the top and back. He packed rain gear, tents and sleeping bags. He had learnt his lesson and was fully equipped. At dawn on the decided day, Peter began the trek, this time though he was alone. Well prepared he was confident he would need no help getting to the top.
As Peter ascended the slopes, at around mid-day, he came across a group of hikers resting by the side. "Hey, it's a long way to the top, come sit with us, rest for a while", said one of the group members to Peter. "No thanks but I rather be climbing", he replied and went on his way. He was afraid, eventually those who commit to stand by, part ways when they find something better.
As he climbed a little higher on the mountain he came across a couple of guys who looked beat up. "Hey, we are out of supplies, can you help?" asked one of the guys. "I'm sorry, I don't have enough to share, you better go back before it gets dark", replied Peter. His mind was still occupied with those who had refused help, when Michael and himself were in dire straits.
Self sufficient and strong, Peter continued on his way to the top. He went past group after group not acknowledging anyone, not waiting for anyone and stopping for nothing. Other people passed comments as he went past. Some called him a snob, some said he was arrogant and others made sure he realised it was going to be lonely at the top. Nothing bothered Peter, he turned a deaf ear to all and continued his effort.
At just about sunset, Peter made it to the summit all by himself. He looked up and thanked the heavens. He looked around, it was beautiful, it was quiet, he was alone after all. He had made it to the top but now he was alone. He put his backpack down and removed a can of energy drink from it. He sat on rock looking at the lush green valley and the setting sun as cool breeze touched his warm cheeks. There he sat sipping his drink, satisfied with his effort of the climb, missing his friends and thinking about the other climbers he encountered on his way to the top.
He wondered, should he have helped others? But then may be he wouldn't have made it to the top too. No one helped Michael and himself when they were in need, so it shouldn't be an obligation for him to help others either. Lost in thought he sat there, gathering himself together, for the return journey.
So what is your say about Peter? Was he right? Was he wrong? Were his actions justified? Or were they not? What do you think? Please reply in the comments below.
A couple of hours into the trek and one of his friend, Alex, stopped. "Look, this path seems more scenic, let's explore this side", he said pointing in another direction. "No let's stick to our path", the others said in unison. "Well in that case let us part ways from here, adios amigos", he said and left the group. Peter was a little surprised that after deciding to stick together at the start, how soon had Alex decided to split.
A couple more hours into the trek and they had climbed quiet high into the mountains. While resting under the shade of a tree, a splendid looking peak caught the attention of a couple of friends. "Hey Peter, let's head in that direction, that peak looks splendid", said the two. Peter again insisted they stick to their decided path. Again the group split. Peter was taken aback, but had Michael for company. The two continued to climb.
Peter had almost forgotten he was a poor packer. Soon he ran out of supplies, but Michael shared some with him, though he knew the supplies would not last the journey when shared. It got overcast by evening and the duo thought it would be wise to turn back. Just then the rain came down, the two had already finished their supplies and tried to hurry down the slopes.
As they were scuttling across a flat patch, Michael twisted his ankle and could not go any further. They asked other hikers to help but none did. It was raining heavily and everyone wanted to get back. Some said they did not have enough supplies, some said they wanted to help but couldn't because of the rains, everyone had reasons to not help. Peter and Michael found shelter under a rock and the two sat there through the night. Wet, tired and helpless the only comfort they had on a cold night was the warmth from a little fire they got going.
Peter cursed himself for not being well prepared. In the darkness of the night, Peter had found a light inside himself. "Isn't life like this as well", he thought to himself. "We all promise to stick together, stand by each other and be there for each other but eventually life takes us on different paths. Very few stick together through thick and thin. One also needs to be independent because relying on others, whether emotionally, financially or in any other way, would mean you will be left wanting at some point. Being self reliant is the only way", he thought to himself.
Enlightened from within and with a smile on his face he helped Michael down the mountain the next morning. He took Michael to the first aid clinic and from there dropped him home. Word spread about how these two hikers had been stranded on the mountain. Michael gave up saying he would never climb again. Peter though, was a tough guy. He decided he would be attempting to climb within a fortnight.
Peter packed up for his trek, this time he accurately calculated the amount of ration he would require to get to the top and back. He packed rain gear, tents and sleeping bags. He had learnt his lesson and was fully equipped. At dawn on the decided day, Peter began the trek, this time though he was alone. Well prepared he was confident he would need no help getting to the top.
As Peter ascended the slopes, at around mid-day, he came across a group of hikers resting by the side. "Hey, it's a long way to the top, come sit with us, rest for a while", said one of the group members to Peter. "No thanks but I rather be climbing", he replied and went on his way. He was afraid, eventually those who commit to stand by, part ways when they find something better.
As he climbed a little higher on the mountain he came across a couple of guys who looked beat up. "Hey, we are out of supplies, can you help?" asked one of the guys. "I'm sorry, I don't have enough to share, you better go back before it gets dark", replied Peter. His mind was still occupied with those who had refused help, when Michael and himself were in dire straits.
Self sufficient and strong, Peter continued on his way to the top. He went past group after group not acknowledging anyone, not waiting for anyone and stopping for nothing. Other people passed comments as he went past. Some called him a snob, some said he was arrogant and others made sure he realised it was going to be lonely at the top. Nothing bothered Peter, he turned a deaf ear to all and continued his effort.
At just about sunset, Peter made it to the summit all by himself. He looked up and thanked the heavens. He looked around, it was beautiful, it was quiet, he was alone after all. He had made it to the top but now he was alone. He put his backpack down and removed a can of energy drink from it. He sat on rock looking at the lush green valley and the setting sun as cool breeze touched his warm cheeks. There he sat sipping his drink, satisfied with his effort of the climb, missing his friends and thinking about the other climbers he encountered on his way to the top.
He wondered, should he have helped others? But then may be he wouldn't have made it to the top too. No one helped Michael and himself when they were in need, so it shouldn't be an obligation for him to help others either. Lost in thought he sat there, gathering himself together, for the return journey.
So what is your say about Peter? Was he right? Was he wrong? Were his actions justified? Or were they not? What do you think? Please reply in the comments below.
Peter was wrong, his action was absolutely not justified. He should have helped other treckers and whilst passing through other treckers he should have acknowledged them, and one thing is true there is more pleasure in sharing than keeping it to your self. It is very well written. Keep writing.
ReplyDeletePeter was wrong. If one is capable to help then he should instead of others don't help when he needed the most.
DeleteIt's how the way you decide to live your life. Peter behaved based on his perception.Definately he should have help others and care for other and for that you should have a good company and mentor to enculcate good culture.Alone you only can achieve but with friends you can celebrate and enjoy your achievement in the true manner.
ReplyDeleteI like his determination, then n then you can achieve your goal.There is no doubt about helping people,if at all they really need it.lt is basic of life.Should be sentimental not very selfish.Good home work about any job given,always helpful.
ReplyDeletePeter was wrong. He did what others did to him which is our natural human tendency. But he was alone at the summit, with no one to share his joy of victory. Even at the summit he kept thinking he kept thinking about others. On our journey to finding happiness , taking everyone along gives us the true joy and fulfillment
ReplyDeleteI think Peter is right, peter may help others but as in story says he is having calculated quantity and if he share than maybe he is not achieved his goal. His action may something arogent but this was acceptable when your target is ��
ReplyDeleteI believe Peter was right. The quantity which he carried may help handful of people and not everyone. On other hand what he shares will only help other to climb few steps more and not achieve their goal. By sharing neither Peter nor others would have achieved the goal.
ReplyDeleteAnd what's the guarantee after helping others when Peter would return home without achieving his goal, the next time he won't get people who needs help. Will he keep helping other without achieving his own goals in life.
Also when people didn't helped Peter he took the same in positive way which made him perfect. Same message he has shared, if people wish to initiate their travel for achieving the biggest dream or goal they should have long vision to carry required quantity.
This was my view.
But this story was really good.
I see a dichotomy to this, one the emotional/conscience side(The educated option) and other the practical side(The uneducated option). The first question is what did he achieve by reaching the summit and where did he draw satisfaction from. The answer for both is comparison to others either who had previously reached the summit; an achievement or missed reaching the summit; a failure. Both definition of the society which had led him to believe that reaching the summit is a success. I would compare it to a simple teaching we all get as kids, we call a particular color by that name because we are made to believe that it is that colour. Similarly if I am taught success is not the summit but keeping everyone together than on the first climb itself they would have never split as a group. The definition of achievement itself is wrong in today's society.
ReplyDeleteThe conscience approach is never taught in today's world it is comparable to the 10 Heads of Ravana, representing ten negative emotions, a human life owns- ego or ahankara; attachment or moha; regret or paschyataap; anger or krodha; hatred or ghrina; fear or bhaya; jealousy or irshya; greed or lobha; lust or kama and inertia/insensitivity or jaddata.
Peter's approach as all the above emotions and if you would see he has multiplied the above emotions by his achievement!
The answer to your question is crystal clear !
Thank you all for the replies... The story continues in The Trek 2
ReplyDelete