Mountain climber Reinhold Messner openly discusses his thoughts on death, stating, "Do not mourn for me."
At the ripe age of 80, Reinhold Messner, the legendary mountaineer, continues to be an active figure in the world of exploration and cultural initiatives. Working alongside his wife Diane, who is 45, Messner remains dedicated to his projects that revolve around mountaineering, museums, and storytelling about mountain cultures [3][1].
Messner's recent loss has been the death of biathlete and mountaineer Laura Dahlmeier, who tragically passed away in Pakistan due to a landslide at the age of 31. Felix Neureuther and Miriam Neureuther, biathletes who had a personal friendship with Dahlmeier, mourn her loss alongside Messner [6][7].
On his Instagram, Messner paid tribute to Dahlmeier and other athletes who have lost their lives while pursuing their passion in the mountains. He emphasized the courage that these individuals displayed, expressing that the courage of those who have perished in the mountains remains [8].
Reflecting on aging and death, Messner views time as sacred, stating that "with age, time becomes sacred" and that one lives more fully knowing "the journey has an end" [5][3][1]. This philosophical acceptance of life's finite nature is reflected in his public and personal reflections.
Despite his age, Messner's curiosity remains unbroken, but his energy is waning. He acknowledges the need to deal with the aging process, yet he maintains hope that a small amount of his energy will remain [4].
One of Messner's ongoing projects is the management and expansion of the Reinhold Messner Museums, which include MMM Firmian, MMM Ripa, and MMM Corones. These museums tell stories of mountain cultures, exploration, and philosophies connected to his experiences, keeping him engaged beyond physical climbing [3][1].
In summary, Reinhold Messner remains an active figure in the world of mountaineering and cultural initiatives. His ongoing projects include managing his museums and telling stories about mountain cultures. His views on aging and death reflect a philosophical acceptance of life's finite nature, and he continues to embrace this stage of his life with great happiness [5].
Sources:
- The Guardian
- BBC News
- Reinhold Messner Foundation
- CNN
- National Geographic
- Deutsche Welle
- AP News
- Instagram - Reinhold Messner
Messner's social media tribute acknowledges the courage of athletes who have perished whilst pursuing their passion in sports like biathlon and mountaineering, reiterating that their courage persists. Despite his advancing age, Messner's fascination for sports remains unfettered, although his energy levels are gradually dwindling.
