Philosophy for Polar Explorers

A thoughtful and eloquent meditation that invites us to treat life like a grand exploration and illuminates the possibilities that await us when we do—from “a philosophical adventurer—or perhaps an adventurous philosopher” (The New York Times).

Erling Kagge is one of the world’s most accomplished explorers. He was the first to conquer all three poles on foot, by climbing Mount Everest and walking to the North and South Poles. In this thought-provoking and inspiring book, he uses the wisdom and expertise he has gained on his travels to reflect on life, nature, and humanity. Simple things like getting up early and accepting failure can make a difference, whether battling an arctic storm or stuck in traffic. And practices such as cultivating optimism and being open-minded when pursuing goals can benefit our lives enormously, wherever our paths may take us.

Explorer, art collector, publisher, and author, ERLING KAGGE is the first person to have completed the Three Poles Challenge—the North Pole, the South Pole, and the summit of Mount Everest—on foot. He has written eight books on exploration, philosophy, and art collecting, which have been translated into thirty-nine languages. He runs Kagge Forlag, a publishing company based in Oslo, where he lives.

Foreword: Grounding Myself in Nature xiii

1. Setting My Own Compass 3
2. Getting Up Early 10
3. Training Myself in Optimism 15
4. Learning Not to Fear Greatness 24
5. Not Mistaking Probability for Possibility 35
6. Courage Can’t Be Kept in a Thermos 43
7. Having Something to Lose 60
8. Learning Not to Chase Happiness 70
9. Learning to Be Alone 84
10. Enjoying Small Helpings 92
11. Accepting Failure 104
12. Finding Freedom in Responsibility 115
13. Making Flexibility a Habit 121
14. Being Proactive with Luck 132
15. Allowing Goals to Come to Me 141
16. Resetting the Compass 150

Notes 163
Acknowledgements 167
Image Acknowledgements 169