Book excerpt: Climbing goes beyond simply being a physical activity. When climbing we are exposed to situations where we have to confront difficulty, discomfort, fear, frustration, decision making, among other things. Through these trials and tribulations, we are given the opportunity to surmount many life's struggles which will deepen in our ability to develop our mental strength and the ability to maintain serenity. In order to have serenity in our lives we need to efficiently manage the challenges and difficulties we face and the emotions they generate. Many situations will provoke negative emotions, we must develop the strength to manage them, to objectively observe them, to take action when necessary and to avoid making decisions based on erroneous impressions. All the while continuously learning and enjoying the whole process, leaving all unnecessary tension behind. The Stoics have been writing about these issues for over two millennia. In this book you will find the practical application of philosophical concepts that are brought to us in a clear and simple way through climbing. Wisdom not only to climb better, but to live better as well.