Man, the Deciding Factor, Route Guide to the North Face, and Attempts and Successes on the North Face Summary and Analysis

In "Man, the Deciding Factor," a new year has dawned in 1964. The newest call is to find a direct route up the North Face of the Eiger, a "Direttissima." Harrer believes a more direct route would require too much in the way of technology, as well as being difficult and dangerous. With imagination, a possible route can be seen up the mountain, but Harrer sees no exit at the top, without artificial help in place. Still, Harrer sees the accomplishment as inevitable, with the enthusiasm of youth. He calls a warning against using technology to advance beyond one's skill, however. A party led by Peter Siegert in...