Why it’s good to be an amateur

In a recent episode, we talked about being amateurs in adventure.

(It’s a great episode, check it out! James shares his experiences on some archaeological digs, and Michael visits a secret island in the middle of Bangkok, Thailand. You can listen right here: S2E16: Archaeology and Amateur Adventurers — Attempt Adventure Podcast)

We often use the word “amateur” in a derogatory way. Try as we might, we may never feel good enough to be a “real” adventurer. We often despair at being a lifelong amateur.

But being an amateur adventurer - or indeed an amateur anything - isn’t a bad thing at all!

If we actually break down the word and look at its etymology, the word “amateur” comes from the Old French “ameour” and from the Latin “amatorem” meaning “one who loves”.

Sir Edmund Hillary is quoted to have said when asked why he wanted to summit Mount Everest: “Because it’s there”. While his climb did indeed bring him fame and glory, it was not the purpose of his expedition. He embarked on the difficult and dangerous climb for the love of adventure.

An amateur is someone who does something because they truly love it and have a passion for it, rather than seeking to gain from it (as a professional).

In fact, I would argue that being an amateur adventurer is the more pure form of adventuring. You shouldn’t let the fear of being an amateur hold you back. In fact, you should embrace it. After all, adventure for adventure’s sake is at the very heart of what it means to be an adventurer.