Honnold Scales Taipei 101 Without Ropes in Record Time

Is free soloing skyscrapers the ultimate human achievement or just reckless endangerment of lives?

Published 1 day ago·Updated 18 hours ago

Honnold Scales Taipei 101 Without Ropes in Record Time

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Above: Alex Honnold climbs the Taipei 101 building on Jan. 25. Image credit: I-Hwa Cheng/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

Honnold's feat is the ultimate expression of human potential and mastery over fear. Scaling 1,667 feet of steel and glass without ropes in under 92 minutes demonstrates unparalleled skill, focus and courage that pushes the boundaries of what's possible. This breathtaking achievement reminds the world how thin the line is between mastery and mortality when someone walks it unflinching.

Lai Ching-te on X

Ganda Situmorang on X

Narrative B

Risking death for a publicity stunt is recklessness, not heroism. These climbers endanger not just themselves but the rescue workers who'll be expected to save them when things go wrong. Live streaming these stunts turns human life into morbid entertainment, with viewers tuning in to the possibility of watching someone fall to their death. It serves no purpose beyond ego and profit.

Chay Bowes on X Guardian