able to overcome a difficult expanse. If you don’t execute it in just
the correct way, you’ll fall. Gravity is a tough teacher. But there is
a reward. You’re forced to problem solve, remain calm, and be self-
reliant and resilient – all great qualities that people value.”
The crux is heightened even more by the possibility of the
unexpected. We can take Timmy’s example a step further to see
why. Rock climbing has dozens of unexpected risks: falling rocks,
falling from rocks, falling into rocks, losing your footing, losing
your grip, you really don’t know what’s coming next. An experi-
enced rock climber must know just what to do in totally unex-
pected situations and execute it quickly without thinking about it
too much. He or she must solve the puzzle rapidly, without much
hesitation. “Analysis is paralysis” is a common expression among
adventure sports participants. You have to react instinctively in
these high-risk situations or face the consequences.
For many high sensation-seekers, the buzz comes from pla-
cing themselves in these crux experiences and emerging whole. If
you think about it, even low-sensation-seekers do this all the time.
From crossword puzzles to knitting, to kiteboarding, we seek to
challenge ourselves and find reward in the challenge. It’s not
a worthwhile challenge if you know you can do it. For some high
sensation-seekers, the more complex the challenge – the higher the
risk – the higher the reward.
Plus, they say, it’s fun.
Not everyone has the skill or nerve to attempt the highest
risk activities. For them, moderately risky activities can serve the
same goals. Body-contact sports such as soccer, free climbing, and
karate are common medium-risk hobbies. These hobbies don’t
necessarily involve danger, but a few bumps and bruises along the
way are part of the experience. Those with high sensation-seeking
scores are drawn to these activities more often than many low
sensation-seekers.^23Beyond Human Limits
Katrina Pisani can’t remember a time before Science North. “I
grew up with Science North in my life all the time, and I loved
coming here as a kid,” she explained. “I used to come with
school, with my parents, and with my friends and used to do
all kinds of things here. I always thought it’d be so cool to work
here. It’s such a neat place.”74 / Buzz!Downloaded from https://www.cambridge.org/core. Access paid by the UCSF Library, on 11 Nov 2019 at 14:19:03, subject to the Cambridge