Essay: The Currency of Toil
By Steve House
Listening to the Mountain
Ed’s philosophy—“Getting to the top is optional, but getting down is mandatory”—is more than just a mantra. It’s a way of life. In a world that often prizes achievement above all else, Ed’s approach offers a counterbalance. His decisions, shaped by years of experience and a deep respect for the natural world, reflect a profound humility. As he says, “The mountain decides what we’re allowed to do.” This respect was born early in Ed’s career. After reading Maurice Herzog’s book Annapurna as a teenager, he was captivated by the idea of high-altitude climbing. It wasn’t just the grandeur of the peaks that called to him; it was the unrelenting physical and mental challenge. From his first ascents on Rainier as a guide to his harrowing climbs on Everest and K2, Ed learned that the mountains reward preparation, patience, and perseverance. They don’t grant shortcuts.
The Long Game
Like many climbers, Ed began with personal ambition. But the lessons the mountains taught him gradually transformed his approach. Success came not from speed or bravado but from playing the long game. Over 21 expeditions, he completed all 14 of the 8,000-meter peaks—a journey that spanned decades and countless hours of preparation. For Ed, the process mattered more than the result. The “currency of toil,” as he calls it, is what gives meaning to the climb. “You can’t buy your way to the top,” he says. “The effort you put in is what makes it worthwhile.” That perspective shaped every aspect of his career, from his meticulous planning to his steadfast refusal to compromise safety for glory.
A Legacy of Integrity
Ed embodies authenticity. He never chased fame or fortune; he pursued climbing because he loved it. That clarity of purpose resonated with those around him, from his climbing partners to the brands that supported him. It’s no accident that companies like Himali (an Uphill Athlete partner) and Rolex aligned with Ed. They weren’t investing in his summits; they were investing in his values. Ed’s example challenges us to think differently about success. It’s not just about reaching the top. It’s about how we get there and the legacy we leave behind. “You have to be proud of the path you take,” he says. “The footprints you leave tell your story.”
What the Mountains Teach
The mountains, for Ed, are the ultimate teacher. They teach patience, humility, and self-awareness. They remind us that no summit is worth our lives and that success without integrity is hollow. But most of all, they teach us to listen. Ed’s ability to listen—to his instinct, to the mountain, and to his own inner voice—has been his greatest strength. It’s what kept him safe through decades of high-altitude climbing and what enabled him to achieve his extraordinary goals. And it’s what he hopes to pass on to others.
Climbing Beyond the Summit
Today, Ed’s focus has shifted. Though he’s climbed the world’s highest peaks, he finds fulfillment in guiding, teaching, and inspiring others. For Ed, the greatest reward isn’t standing on a summit—it’s helping someone else reach theirs. Like the mountains themselves, Ed’s story is one of resilience, humility, and connection. It reminds us that the journey matters far more than the destination and that our greatest achievements are the ones we share with others. When we listen closely, the mountains remind us of what Ed Viesturs has lived: The summit is optional. The journey is mandatory. And the currency of toil is the greatest investment we can make.
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE:
Exploring the poetic soul of the mountains.
Voice of the Mountains explores the mental and emotional adventures found in discovering who we are and what we’re capable of. Here we engage in self-reflection and humility, and embrace the beauty and struggle of the alpine experience equally.
