Ed Stafford, a 34-year-old former British army captain recently returned to England from a 27-month excursion over the entire length of the Amazon river. His efforts were meant to raise awareness for deforestation in the Amazon rainforest while facing and digitally capturing the highlights and dangers of the area in his blog.
The story here is this guy's overwhelming quest to do something out of the ordinary, never done before and consequently, avant garde. 859 days of walking, fifteen pounds less and I'm sure a world of experience richer the man returned home after conquering a feat that others could only dream of.
The respect to be paid to this man should come from his bravery but does raising awareness for deforestation really call for walking the length of the Amazon? How are these two linked? Is it just a form of egoism? Does he really want to make an impact on deforestation or does he want other people to see what he has done, praise him for it and then later pay him to speak about it/write about it?
I'm conflicted. Yes, this is a very amazing accomplishment but what's the need to put your life into danger only to raise awareness to a certain area? He could have gone down to do a month long project with a tribe in the Amazon to raise awareness. If he is already a well established motivational speaker and writer (which he claims to be) why would he need to walk the entire Amazon river to gain media attention?
Some people just need these kinds of thrills. Everyone has their reasons but when does it become too much? When does it become too dangerous? When do you start writing your own death wish?
I must admit I am in awe of this guy but would like to understand his motives a bit better. Not everyone can spend two years in the Amazon-for that I commend him. Maybe I will pay to see him speak one day?
The story here is this guy's overwhelming quest to do something out of the ordinary, never done before and consequently, avant garde. 859 days of walking, fifteen pounds less and I'm sure a world of experience richer the man returned home after conquering a feat that others could only dream of.
The respect to be paid to this man should come from his bravery but does raising awareness for deforestation really call for walking the length of the Amazon? How are these two linked? Is it just a form of egoism? Does he really want to make an impact on deforestation or does he want other people to see what he has done, praise him for it and then later pay him to speak about it/write about it?
I'm conflicted. Yes, this is a very amazing accomplishment but what's the need to put your life into danger only to raise awareness to a certain area? He could have gone down to do a month long project with a tribe in the Amazon to raise awareness. If he is already a well established motivational speaker and writer (which he claims to be) why would he need to walk the entire Amazon river to gain media attention?
Some people just need these kinds of thrills. Everyone has their reasons but when does it become too much? When does it become too dangerous? When do you start writing your own death wish?
I must admit I am in awe of this guy but would like to understand his motives a bit better. Not everyone can spend two years in the Amazon-for that I commend him. Maybe I will pay to see him speak one day?
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