Alain Robert

Alain Robert – Life, Achievements & Memorable Quotes

Discover the life and daring climbs of Alain Robert (born August 7, 1962), the French “Spider-Man” known for scaling skyscrapers without safety gear. Explore his background, philosophy, major ascents, and inspiring quotes.

Introduction

Alain Robert is a French rock climber turned urban climber, famous for his audacious free solo ascents of skyscrapers and monuments — often using no safety equipment beyond chalk and climbing shoes. “French Spider-Man” or “Human Spider,” Robert has climbed more than 100 buildings worldwide, frequently under clandestine or contested circumstances.

His feats blur the lines between sport, performance art, activism, and personal philosophy. In addition to physical risk, his climbs often carry statements about freedom, limits, and human potential.

Early Life & Background

• Full name: Robert Alain Philippe

• Born: August 7, 1962, in Digoin, Saône-et-Loire, France

• Childhood & beginnings: He grew up in the Drôme region and later lived in Valence (in southeastern France).

• He began climbing safety-free at a young age: one anecdote says that, as a teenager, after forgetting his keys, he climbed the exterior of his apartment building (7 stories) to his window.

Early on, he was drawn not only to natural rock but also to the challenge of urban verticality.

Career & Major Climbs

Transition to Urban Climbing (“Buildering”)

Robert began as a traditional rock climber, practicing free solo techniques on cliffs and crags. Over time, he shifted toward climbing buildings — a discipline sometimes called buildering (climbing architectural structures).

Because most building owners or authorities do not permit such climbs, many of Robert’s ascents have been done clandestinely or lead to arrest.

Landmark Ascents

Some of Robert’s most notable climbs include:

• Burj Khalifa, Dubai — in 2011, he climbed the world’s tallest building (828 meters), reportedly using a harness at that time (for safety).

• Eiffel Tower, Paris

• Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur

• Sears Tower (Willis Tower), Chicago (he climbed without equipment)

• Sydney Opera House, Montparnasse Tower (Paris), Jin Mao Tower (Shanghai), Times Building (NYC), Skyper (Frankfurt), Tour Total (Paris), among others.

He has also carried banners or messages during some climbs (for example, to raise awareness of climate change).

Risks & Legal Issues

• Robert has been arrested many times post-climb due to trespass or security violations.

• He has suffered serious injuries in prior accidents.

• In some climbs deemed legal, he has been sponsored or permitted.

Despite the physical and legal danger, Robert has persisted, seeing each ascent as part of a message and personal dictum.

Philosophy & Public Image

Alain Robert positions himself not just as an extreme athlete, but as an activist and symbol of individual freedom.

He often frames climbing as essential to his identity:

“To me, climbing is like eating or drinking. I have to do it; it’s part of my life.”

He also has said:

“Soloing is the most beautiful way of climbing; no material constrains, just you and the rock, the sun, nature; a kind of school for courage, willpower and self-confidence.”

Robert advocates stretching one’s internal limits, even if external forces (laws, security, authority) forbid them:

“All these buildings are like mountains I would like to climb, but I am forbidden.”

Selected Quotes

Here is a selection of his memorable lines:

• “We set ourselves limits, but we are all strong enough to aim higher, to achieve our goals. All we have to do is find such strength within ourselves.”

• “I don't want to follow the herd.”

• “Whenever I climb I have to also entertain.”

• “I see myself as a climber and an activist.”

• “With buildering, I get to keep that element of danger. Plus, I very much like the feeling of height, and buildings have even more of a feeling of height than rock faces.”

• “Modern people are only willing to believe in their computers, while I believe in myself.”

• “Soloing is the most beautiful way of climbing…” (as quoted above)

Lessons & Insights

1. Push boundaries within self, not only externally. Robert shows how internal courage often precedes external feats.

2. Life as performance and message. His climbs double as public statements—art, protest, spectacle.

3. Risk and responsibility. Choosing to operate in danger involves preparation, respect for limits, and moral questioning.

4. Persistence despite legal and physical consequences. His repeated arrests and injuries did not deter him.

5. Identity through action. Rather than being defined by society, Robert defines himself by his climbs.

Conclusion

Alain Robert stands as one of the most audacious and paradoxical figures in modern sport: both outlaw and icon, risk-taker and philosopher. His vertical voyages onto glass, steel, and concrete challenge not only gravity but our ideas about freedom, boundaries, and human potential.