Since cavemen sat around a fire, the primary entertainment of mankind has always been storytelling. As any English teacher can tell you, there are only two basic stories: a) Hero goes on a journey, and b) Stranger comes to town. The former is usually the favorite, and for good reason.
Of all the stories ever told, my personal favorites are almost always adventure stories. I'm not talking about fiction.
For instance, the story about Sir Ernest Schackleton and his famous Endurance Expedition in 1915 had to be the greatest "man against nature" stories of the past century.
"Men Wanted: For hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success."
-Schackleton's newspaper advertisement, looking for volunteers
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