[GeoAtreides]

I climb mountains to see the views; the views are there independent of how much effort I put on the path (or how much satisfaction I draw at the end of trek), but I do have to put in the effort to see the views.

[msrp]

Would you take a free mountain lift ride to the top if you happened to come across one during a climbing trip?

[GeoAtreides]

would I read the summary of a book expecting the same thing as reading the book?

no

[scotty79]

and if the person who offered you the lift was so obliging to stop at any view you find appealing along the way for how long you desire?

somehow I still think it would be a "no" form you, because it's not really about the views

[GeoAtreides]

there is a point where the analogy breaks.

Yes, when it comes to irl mountains you could have a lift that stops along the way. And when it comes to irl books, there is no way to bypass the journey, so to speak.

Also, just a note: it's usually not fun, nor interesting, to quibble and nitpick analogies, that's not what they're there for.