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

You don't have to be a hero to accomplish great things---to compete. You can just be an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals.

I think that a good mountaineer is usually a sensible mountaineer.

As a youngster I was a great dreamer, reading many books of adventure and walking lonely miles with my head in the clouds.

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

It's all bullshit on Everest these days.

Strong motivation is the most important factor in getting you to the top