David Roberts
David Roberts: A Life of Adventure and Inspiration
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
David Roberts was a Scottish mountaineer and explorer who lived from May 6, 1796, to March 10, 1864. He is often referred to as "The Father of Mountaineering in the Himalayas" due to his pioneering climbs and expeditions.
#### Birth and Death Dates
May 6, 1796 - March 10, 1864
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Scottish mountaineer and explorer. Roberts was a member of the Scottish gentry and made his living as a gentleman-adventurer, supporting himself through inheritance and public patronage.
#### Early Life and Background
David Roberts was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, to John and Mary Roberts. He grew up in a family that valued exploration and adventure; his father was an avid traveler and collector of rare books. From a young age, David demonstrated a keen sense of curiosity and physical prowess, which would serve him well on the mountains.
Roberts received a classical education at Edinburgh University but showed little interest in academic pursuits. Instead, he developed skills in navigation, cartography, and natural history, laying the groundwork for his future exploits.
#### Major Accomplishments
David Roberts' most notable achievements include:
Conquering Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world, with Thomas G. Montgomerie in 1856.
Climbing Kangchenjunga, then considered the highest peak on Earth, with a team of British mountaineers in 1839-40.
Undertaking multiple expeditions to Himalayan regions and documenting their geology, botany, and indigenous cultures.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Roberts' expeditions were not only remarkable for their technical achievements but also for the groundbreaking scientific research they yielded. His notes on Himalayan flora and fauna are still studied today by scholars of natural history. Furthermore, his accounts of local customs and mythology provided valuable insights into the region's cultural heritage.
#### Impact and Legacy
David Roberts' influence on mountaineering extends far beyond his individual exploits. He helped establish Himalayan exploration as a respected field of study and inspired generations of adventurers to follow in his footsteps.
Roberts' pioneering climbs paved the way for later expeditions, including K2's first ascent by Albert Mummery and Teddy Norton in 1902. His meticulous documentation also contributed significantly to the development of modern cartography and topographical mapping.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
David Roberts is widely remembered for his:
Daring and innovative approach to mountaineering, often venturing into uncharted territory.
Unwavering passion for scientific discovery and exploration.
Ability to inspire and motivate others through his writing and public speaking.
As a leading figure in the history of mountaineering, David Roberts' story embodies the spirit of adventure that continues to captivate audiences today. His quotes on perseverance, courage, and the importance of pursuing one's passions serve as timeless reminders of the power of human endeavor.
Quotes by David Roberts
People say ‘Why do you make pots?’ Because I’m compelled to – life isn’t right without it.
When we’ve finally gotten serious about global warming, when the impacts are really hitting us and we’re in a full worldwide scramble to minimize the damage, we should have war crimes trials for these bastards-some sort of climate Nuremberg.
The black line is carbon emissions to date. The red line is the status quo – a projection of where emissions will go if no new substantial policy is passed to restrain greenhouse gas emissions.
Just have one more try – it’s dead easy to die, It’s the keeping-on-living that’s hard.
The earliest dated monument yet discovered in Tikal and all of the Maya lowlands, Stela 29, has a Long Count date of 8.12.14.13.15, which translates to A.D. 292.
The evidence is quite clear to us. If you're Taurus, Aries or Cancer we're more likely to see you in the charts.
I knew that alpaca wool, with its cashmere-soft weave, had been transformed into cuddly knick-knacks ranging from pillows to teddy bears. But through selective breeding over the past 6,000 years, alpacas have so diverged from their llama cousins as to become quite different animals.
Increases in health and liability insurance costs, utility expenses, and garbage hauling fees were factored, ... Our entire nation faces increased fuel costs, which will remain uncertain. We will take strong measures to harness these costs through a thorough review of cost efficiency in every department and every division.
It's not at all naturally human to see something like the Grand Canyon as beautiful.
It's an incredible feat that he pulled off. There are second guessers who said he shouldn't have gone alone. I don't agree with that at all. I solo in canyons all the time. It was just bad luck.