Climbing Everest in just a few days with xenon gas does sound pretty wild.
But it also makes me wonder if we’re turning what used to be a deeply human and challenging journey into just another experiment in efficiency.
Not sure if that counts as progress. Curious how others see it.
> what used to be a deeply human and challenging journey into just another experiment in efficiency
Maybe it's always been an experiment in efficiency? Early Everest expeditions consisted of large support teams, setting records for sleeping at altitude, and inventing new breathing apparatus. Or maybe the challenge and the journey are over now?
> But it also makes me wonder if we’re turning what used to be a deeply human and challenging journey into just another experiment in efficiency.
I think that ship has sailed already. Now the focus should probably be on safety, economic benefit, and sustainability/minimizing environmental impact.