Motivation is the single most important factor in any sort of success.

Once I've decided to do something, I do usually try to carry it through to fruition.

Adventuring can be for the ordinary person with ordinary qualities, such as I regard myself.

On the summit of Everest, I had a feeling of great satisfaction to be first there.

Waihi Beach. It's a lovely beach, and we're right on the shore and I get a lot of pleasure out of waking up in the morning and hearing the waves roll in.

Ever since the morning of May 29, 1953, when Tenzing Norgay and I became the first climbers to step onto the summit of Mount Everest, I've been called a great adventurer.

I've always hated the danger part of climbing, and it's great to come down again because it's safe.