I had a very strong desire to carry out adventures, but in those early days I didn't actually do any. I just dreamt about it.

If the going is tough and the pressure is on, If the reserves of strength have been drained and the summit is still not in sight, then the quality to seek in the person is neither great strength nor quickness of hand, but rather a resolute mind firmly set on its purpose that refuses to let its body slack or rest.

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

I think the really good mountaineer is the man with the technical ability of the professional and with the enthusiasm and freshness of approach of the amateur.

My grandmother I admired even more [than mother]. She was an Irish lady and a very kind-hearted person. She had a lot of talent, she painted extremely well. She was quite a strong factor in my life.

I am a lucky man. I have had a dream and it has come true, and that is not a thing that happens often to men.

Nothing can replace courage, a resounding motivation and that little bit of luck.