If you follow our Instagram account, you might have noticed a hashtag I've been using lately: #webuildhumanbeings. Hashtags in social media can be pretty tongue-in-cheek, so I'd like to explain why this one is so important to what alpha climbing is trying to accomplish with the work we do.

#internJONAS reflecting on his existence and the previous two weeks in Greece.

First, I should note right away that this isn't in direct reference to the #webuildmachines hashtag popularized by a notable climbing training company. Uh, okay, it actually is. And quite honestly, it's not meant to be snarky in any way. It's flattery as imitation more than anything (well...maybe a little bit of snark). You see, as a coach and mentor, I don't entertain the goal of wanting my athletes to become machines. I don't necessarily want more machines in this world. I want more loving and caring human beings. I want human beings who function based on empathy and sympathy, which machines cannot (unless they are programmed for such or have artificial intelligence to do so). But this post isn't about machinery. It's about what it means to be human, and why rock climbing can help us discover this. Full disclaimer: I mean no harm or ill-will to any person or organization who uses the #webuildmachines hashtag. For the sake of developing the alpha climbing brand and our mission, it makes for a convenient conversation starting point. I fully support the agenda of performance-based training with a “machine-like” strategy or outlook. The discussion of human vs. machine is age old, and is always worth debating, from both ethical and entertainment viewpoints.

To ask what it means to be a human is a loaded question. We’re capable of so much which might distinguish us from the rest of the animal kingdom. Of course, we must consider the good with the bad. There are those among us who would assail, murder, steal, deceive, deny, or destroy, and yet, they are just as much human as those who give, love, sacrifice, bless, support, or create. To be human isn’t to be good or evil, it’s to survive and prosper in a way that is unique to us, which is to use the effects of conscious learning to make decisions, rather than instinct. I won’t deny other members of the animal kingdom the ability to do this, but for the sake of my premise, it’s important to recognize the stark difference in consciousness that has allowed our species to evolve to its current iteration.

As we develop, our conscience gets reinforcement from a variety of sources: our family, friends, neighbors, strangers, teachers, coaches, nature, the universe, etc. The cumulative effect of this reinforcement, ultimately, is what allows us to survive as adults, independent from a caretaker, navigating life, relationships, in an increasingly complex world.

How can I be so bold as to say that the methods and practice of alpha climbing builds human beings? It might seem a little far fetched, but honestly, I have no problem declaring that taking motivated youth athletes to world-class rock climbing destinations helps develop greater consciousness, and therefore, more of what it means to be a human.

Just take the travel element, for example. Leaving home and one’s family is an incredibly effective way to build identity as an individual. By experiencing how ohers live, we can more readily reflect on our own way of life, and how that has shaped our world view. This might, build within us, a more profound sense of empathy, and greater ability to understand the struggle of our fellow humans. Travel inevitably comes with hiccups and discomfort. When forced to solve setbacks (usually with the motivation to get more climbing in) we become more resilient and creative.

When traveling to climbing destinations, we inevitably cross or stay in rural landscapes. In doing so, we get to see how the subsistence-based residents live. These are usually multi-generation farming families. Their land and animals make up the majority of their life experience. They know themselves, their neighbors, their environment, and tend to live with a level of humility that’s increasingly rare. They don’t have interest in what other think about them on social media and tend to have two priorities: survival and happiness. This might be a gross generalization, but it does point back to the essence of being human.

Ulldemolins, catalunya, on a gorgeous autumn afternoon.

I’ll be the first to admit that climbing is an exercise in frivolity. We do not need to climb things to survive. However, as a lifelong climber and one who earns a living coaching, guiding, and mentoring others in climbing, I don’t know who I would be without climbing. In terms of personality, identity, body awareness, passion, happiness, and so many other characteristics of why I am me, pursuing climbing has unquestionably provided a massive amount.

As to how and why climbing contributes to the positive reinforcement in the development of an adolescent, subsequently developing the independent adult (and therefore, a uniquely conscious human being), there are more benefits that I really need to list. More than anything, it’s confidence. It’s the belief that something difficult can be taken on. It’s reassurance that failure doesn’t necessarily mean an end. It’s a promise that joy often follows suffering. It’s trusting in the process of stress, followed by rest, rewarded with strength. It’s a connection made by communicating. It’s the responsibility to preserve our natural resources. It’s understanding that we’re capable of damage and destruction. It’s the care in knowing that life is precious.

A fine group of human beings share smiles at Vlychada Beach Crag, Kyparissi, Greece.

Fianlly, I am happy to share #webuildhumanbeings with anyone else out there whose work strives to accomplish similar objectives. Let’s do this together.

-Aaron