Which excerpt from “Everyday Survival” contains the stylistic choice to write a sequence of simple sentences? When a storm blew in during the middle of their climb, they could have made an easy rappel to the bottom. Instead, following the only plan they had, they continued toward the top, where they died of exposure. Similar failures occur in all areas of life.

This bears repeating: Survival is not about equipment and training alone. It’s about what’s in your mind and your emotional system.

That’s why I’ve concentrated my efforts on learning about the hearts and minds of survivors. You can start developing these tools of survival now. It takes time and deliberate practice to change.

This began the process of letting him think clearly. Forcing your brain to think sequentially—in times of crisis and in day-to-day life—can quiet dangerous emotions.