The book aims to encourage reflection on the dichotomy inherent in the notion of mountain, where the very existence of a peak invariably reminds us of the abyss opposing it. Similarly, up and down, good and evil correlate with each other in our conceptualisation. Recounting her own experience of going trekking and experiencing contrasting feelings (fear/anxiety, but also pleasure/fascination), the author looks at the relationship between human beings and mountains from the perspective of Freud's "perturbing" and explores the different meanings of mountaineering.