Pascal Bruckner is one of my favorite philosophers (although he may not consider himself a philosopher (typical philosopher)). His book Perpetual Euphoria is one of those books that shake the foundation of how to perceive human existence. At least it did that for me. In addition to touching on the deep stuff, he’s also an expressive romantic essayist, espousing thoughts, stories, and critiques with an ingenious flare typically reserved for the great French poets of the past (although he may not consider himself a Frenchman (typical Frenchman).
In 2017 I was granted a sabbatical allowing me to focus my energy on work regarding the philosophy of love. I was elated to find Bruckner had written a book on the topic titled The Paradox of Love. I read dozens of books during that period but saved that one for a trip through Iceland camping under the Aurora Borealis. It was the perfect accompaniment at the perfect time.
I was looking for another book to accompany me through my latest academic escapade through Bali, and it turned out that Bruckner released a book in 2023 titled The Friendship of a Mountain. WHAT?! One of my favorite authors writing about one of my favorite activities seemed too good to be true.
Bruckner’s book once again turned out to be the perfect accompaniment. While it wasn’t a philosophy book in the traditional sense, it certainly offered moments of deep reflection on what it means to be both a deep-thinker and a rock climber. The way Bruckner expresses his feelings toward the mountains filled gaps in my ability to express my own thoughts. At times it felt like this book was speaking directly for me, but in reality, it attuned me to the notion that all of us philópoç (lovers of mountains) share a common language when it comes to how we are drawn to and touched by the walls and peaks of planet earth.
While I recommend this book to anyone who struggles to put into words their affinity for the mountains, there are some stops along the way that might read more like Pascal’s own private journal. For example, there was a chapter dedicated to mountain cows and his love of fresh dairy milk. Not something I could directly relate to, but interesting, nonetheless.
So, without breaking this book down chapter by chapter, I’ve decided to simply pull out five quotes. I won’t even try to find specific quotes; I’m just going to open to five random pages and pick out a quotable passage!
- “Being seized by exhaustion upon arriving at the summit is akin to casting your eyes upon paradise.”
- “Illness is deeply instructive for those it doesn’t kill.”
- “Walking is the curse of those who cannot die”
- “You must want what’s possible rather than doing whatever you want. And yet you’re always capable of more than you believe”
- “The mountain has taught me a fundamental lesson: the greatest misery occurs when your desires are extinguished. In altitude, like in love, it’s imperative to keep pushing back your best-by date.”
- “An accident in geology has turned into a poetic jewel.”
I added a bonus quote, I thought #6 was too good to pass up, and I also have to add a quote from Franz Schrader (1897) that Pascal Bruckner cited along the way. When asked ‘Why are mountains so beautiful’ Schrader responded: ‘in the mountains, reality takes on the hues of illusion’. Such a great reply!
Pascal Bruckner at the age of 76, does a magnificent job of capturing the spirit of us mountain lovers, he includes discussions of cows, wolves, philosophy, and what it means to age gracefully belligerently.
It was a great read at the perfect time!
- I cannot find a way to reach out to Bruckner for a potential interview, he is not on social media, doesn’t have a university affiliate, and there is no public email address. If anyone has any ideas on how I might get in touch, please let me know. It would be a dream to speak with him on theDIHEDRAL Podcast.
thedihedral.com 
I’ve been enjoying Erling Kagge. Thanks for telling me about Bruckner! this quotation hit home, “Illness is deeply instructive for those it doesn’t kill.” I’m replacing illness here with injury. My favorite among the Kagge books I’ve read is Walking; One Step at a Time.
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Martha, I actually thought about your injury several times when reading this book, he can be pretty funny in a somewhat pompous way it’s entertaining. I will check out One Step at a Time, with the MK stamp of approval, it must be a good one!
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I’m reading Kagge’s book “After the North Pole” now. In the intro was the great line (true) that after all his journeys he learned that “There is no there THERE.” That just hit me right.
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That should be the inscription on every hiking journal or sign in book! I love it. It’s a point that may be missed on several destination tourists, but that makes me like it even more!
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Paradoxically, it’s the whole point of everything.
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Carrot, I thank you for this. It sounds like a perfect gift for someone who has done much for the outdoor adventurers here in Durango. Retired geologist, mountaineer, bird expert, plant expert, etc. Runs the club field trips, and much more.
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You know, I don’t often think of getting books for gifts, but I really should, this should be a great gift for literally any one of the people you mention. Great call Eilene!
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Love this quote ‘in the mountains, reality takes on the hues of illusion’ – thanks for sharing! Will check out the book!
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If you end up reading it, let me know what you think!
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“You must want what’s possible rather than doing whatever you want. And yet you’re always capable of more than you believe.” I think this applies to both mountaineering and coping with the inevitable changes that come with age. Don’t obsess about what you can’t do because you’re not 20 anymore – instead focus on what’s possible (and which you can probably still do with some added effort).
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100%. I think so too. Right after reading your comment, I really started to think about how similar those two things actually are in terms of approach. Thank you for the inspiring thought!
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This is the one that spoke to me as well. With aging I have to realize specifically I must want what’s possible rather than doing whatever I want. Too many fractures when doing things in my 70’s that I did in my teens & younger. It gives the Docs a thrill but Fx. hips are no fun. Swing/swivel scooters for 10y/o can be dangerous for 75y/o Maybe p[ut up for sale……lol
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