Deep Survival - Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why

Posted by: brownwetdog

Deep Survival - Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why - 02/18/08 05:31 PM

I just finished reading Deep Survival - Who Lives,Who Dies, And Why ISBN 0393052761

Here is a Preview of Deep Survival

According to the publisher: "An analysis of the science and psychology of wilderness survival examines case stories of people who have survived against the odds--or failed to survive despite comparatively better resources--in a volume that evaluates the conditions on a snowy mountaintop, in the ocean, in the jungle, and more."

I couldn't put this book down. It caused me to *really* examine my own beliefs. It was startling to see why some people survived bad situations, when others who were very skilled, did not. I highly recommend this book! Carol

p.s. I thought I had seen another review of this book, but a search of "deep survival" (for the past year) didn't bring up anything. And when I did the search without the quotes, it brought up every post that had the word 'survival' in it, which is a ton!
Posted by: midnightsun03

Re: Deep Survival - Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why - 02/18/08 06:12 PM

I think it was mentioned maybe 2 years ago? Good book to bring up again though!

MNS
Posted by: Pika

Re: Deep Survival - Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why - 02/18/08 07:14 PM

I read the book about a month ago. It really made me think about some of my attitudes and to give more thought to those things you never expect to happen. I recommend the book to anyone who spends time outdoors.
Posted by: wandering_daisy

Re: Deep Survival - Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why - 02/18/08 08:09 PM

I read it while on my Wind River trips last summer. I had a little trouble getting started - it seemed disorganized. But once I got to the end it all made sense. Interesting reading while the wind was howling and lightening flashing, thunder booming and hail pelting down on the tent! Survival on the ocean seemed to me a whole lot harder than survival in the mountains! Give me a bear any day over a shark.
Posted by: alanwenker

Re: Deep Survival - Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why - 02/19/08 09:28 AM

Some years ago I heard the author on the radio and became intrigued by the book. I went out and bought the book and I also could not put the book down. In fact this book is on my list to read a second time. The book will definately challenge any notions you may have that disasters happen to everybody else, but won't happen to you.
Posted by: kevonionia

Re: Deep Survival - Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why - 02/19/08 01:44 PM

Quote:
I recommend the book to anyone who spends time outdoors.



Pika:

. . . or indoors, for that matter. You're just sittin' in your house, avoiding the out of doors, and suddenly you're killed (or here, nearly killed) by frozen poop
falling from the sky. (I don't know about you, but I would NOT pose with THAT in my hand!)

I'm sure phat is saying it's an unprovoked attack by his neighbors to the south, blackwater missles dropped by a Blackwater plane high overhead. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> (BTW, those Canadians are known for twisting the truth. From her description, it's obvious she was in the bathroom, not the bedroom.)

Twice a year now I consider hiding out on the boat with an inverted stainless steel mixing bowl on my head when the locals all shoot their guns in the air (at New Years and on the Fourth of July).

The day Castro succumbs will send me into a siege mentality. I'm worried the National Assembly meeting in Havana this weekend WON'T rubber stamp Fidel's brother Raul, and will --in a surprise move -- pick Antonio Banderas, Andy Garcia or Desi Arnes Jr. (of Dino, Desi & Billy fame) to be the new dictator -- um, president -- of Cuba. Or they can get together and share power and be the First Hollywood Triumvirate to rule Cuba. (Sound farfetched? Remember Ronnie & Arnold.) If it happens, the slugs will be falling. I'm staying in bed and wearing a flak jacket.

There's a reason a few of my friends (or is it my few friends?) call me Chicken Little or Pollo Flotante Poco.

Seriously, I do intend to read that book on your recommendations.
Posted by: Earthling

Re: Deep Survival - Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why - 02/19/08 03:20 PM

Hee Hee Kevonnia start playing/singing 'Pada Vie Vie'
cause Castro Resigned today <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> I can't wait until Gloria Esteban becomes the first lady of Cubba <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Then the Hillarity Crowd can get over her not being the first anything <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Deep Survival is a good read no matter where you are.
Posted by: mockturtle

Re: Deep Survival -- My Take - 04/26/08 01:31 PM

Finished this book the other night and have a mixed set of reactions to it. Like wandering daisy , I found the book disorganized and was well into the second half before I began to find it interesting.

The bad:
1. He proposed a hypothesis about survival and I fully expected him to present plenty of cases in support of it. Incidents were presented but not enough to constitute support.
2. Since those who do NOT survive these situations are unable to relate their thoughts and attitudes, there is no way of knowing for sure if those who survived did so because of their attitudes or just dumb luck.
3. His blatant father/hero worship was almost embarrassing.

The good:
1. Interesting food for thought regarding one's attitudes about adverse situations and how they relate to survival. I think he is 'spot on' regarding humility. Folks who think they can conquer nature by the power of their own will are usually wrong.
2. The ability to see beauty in one's surroundings even when facing almost certain death is a fascinating concept. I would like to read more case histories about this.
3. A follow-up with more evidence is in order. I believe he fell short of providing sufficient cases but would definitely read Part 2.
Posted by: mockturtle

Re: Deep Survival -PS - 04/30/08 09:48 AM

Wow, I forgot to mention the most important point [to me] made in this book! Be Here Now! Gonzales explains the importance of being in the present and taking in one's surroundings when in the wilderness .

As one who is usually thinking ahead, I found this valuable advice. He suggests looking behind you regularly to see what the scenario looks like going back, in case you have to retrace your steps. He even attributes some of the increased casualties of climbing descents [as opposed to ascents] to the tendency to think of getting back to camp quickly, the goal having been accomplished, and being less aware of the immediate conditions.

I found this tidbit worth the price of the book, actually. Maybe most hikers do this already, but I find my mind on the next quarter mile--or even on my destination--rather than in the present. And I seldom think to look back to take in the reverse scene, which, after all, looks quite a bit different from the forward one.
Posted by: chaz

Re: Deep Survival -PS - 04/30/08 06:15 PM

Quote:
Wow, I forgot to mention the most important point [to me] made in this book! Be Here Now! Gonzales explains the importance of being in the present and taking in one's surroundings when in the wilderness .

As one who is usually thinking ahead, I found this valuable advice. He suggests looking behind you regularly to see what the scenario looks like going back, in case you have to retrace your steps. He even attributes some of the increased casualties of climbing descents [as opposed to ascents] to the tendency to think of getting back to camp quickly, the goal having been accomplished, and being less aware of the immediate conditions.

I found this tidbit worth the price of the book, actually. Maybe most hikers do this already, but I find my mind on the next quarter mile--or even on my destination--rather than in the present. And I seldom think to look back to take in the reverse scene, which, after all, looks quite a bit different from the forward one.
Posted by: chaz

Re: Deep Survival -PS - 04/30/08 06:28 PM

First off, sorry about the quote responce. I'm oblivious to using computers sometimes. Now, as far as being here now or thinking ahead, it's o.k.. I think about my ETA, what it may be like when I arrive and trying to slow my pace so I don't miss something along the way. That's the reason I'm there in the first place. I try to enjoy the trip to the trailhead. Enjoy getting my gear on my back. Enjoy the anticipation of taking the first step. Enjoy pumping water at the first stream and enjoy the luxury of just being in a place that is not being strangled by politics, economics and for that matter relationships. When you feel you are moving to fast or your mind seems to be racing ahead of your feet, just stop and breath in all that is around you.
Enjoy your next trip...