What is the point of climbing?

The sense of achievement with measurable(ish) progress combined with commitment is what draws me to it. Also, it forces me to be in a headspace which I would imagine is similar to meditation.

I'm an engineer, and I know of many climbers who are in technical fields. Personally, I like the responsibility of figuring something out that has consequences for someone's life & safety. That same thinking applies to climbing. My co-workers ask why I like climbing, and I say back "Well you are making decisions that directly impact the safety of a stranger - you like that responsibility right? Well, I like it too, and I apply it to myself!"

Plus the views are great.