As a child, Alain Robert was afraid of heights. One day, when he was 12, he returned home from school. At the front door of his building, he looked for his keys. He didn't have them. It was 3:30 p. m. and his parents worked until 6:00 p. m. Alain looked at his apartment (公寓) on the eighth floor. He saw an open window. He closed his eyes and imagined himself climbing the building. When he opened his eyes, he told himself, "I can do it." Fifteen minutes later, he was in his house and his fear of heights was gone.
Today, Alain sill climbs buildings. In 2003, he climbed a building in London dressed as Spider-Man (蜘蛛侠) to advertise the movie. In 2004, he climbed Taipei 101 (one of the tallest buildings in the world). To reach the top of a building, Alain used only his hands and special shoes. He had no rope or other safety tools. Alain climbs as a hobby. He also does it to make money for charity (for children and the homeless). When he climbs, he wants to send a message to people: If you have a dream—something you really want to do—it can become real. But you must be brave and keep trying. If something bad happens, don't give up. Close your eyes and tell yourself, "I can do it."
