Deep Play

In his second book, This Game of Ghosts, mountaineer and climber Joe Simpson describes a theory called deep play, where the potential failure of an event far outweighs the benefit. What's the benefit of climbing mountains or sailing an ocean? The failure of such things can most certainly mean serious trouble or even death, yet people regularly pursue such activities. 

I’ve spent a lot of miles photographing and hiking in backcountry wilderness, often alone, and only a few times have I been in slightly uncomfortable situations where the outcome might be a cold night, or no food, or an extra day hiking out. I have not yet had a moment of being truly lost or in real danger. I wonder how my brain would respond if something went severely wrong. I think we all secretly wonder what parts of us exist behind locked doors that only open during such times. 

The term deep play was first coined by 18th century philosopher Jeremy Bentham who theorized on activities in which stakes are so high that it is, from his utilitarian standpoint, irrational for men to engage in them. So, why engage in this deep play? Is it the physical thrill one gets, a momentary rush of endorphins caused by risking something? A little, maybe, but I think it’s ultimately deeper than that, because after the initial euphoric rush, there’s real contentment from doing something scary. I think what we are all seeking is the experience of being alive, and you get that when you step close to an edge; you affirm what it means to be alive, and that affirmation is a powerful thing.