If I'm selecting a group, the first thing I look for is a record of achievement . . . If (candidates achieve) in small things, there's a very good chance they'll perform well in big things.

Nobody climbs mountains for scientific reasons. Science is used to raise money for the expeditions, but you really climb for the hell of it.

It was wrong if there was a man suffering altitude problems and was huddled under a rock, just to lift your hat, say 'good morning' and pass on by, he said. Human life is far more important than just getting to the top of a mountain.

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

Challenge is what makes men. It will be the end when men stop looking for new challenges.

I get older I get more cantankerous, but June [Hillary] gets a bit more cantankerous, too.

Life's a bit like mountaineering - never look down.