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.

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.

I have a number of heroes I still have warm feelings about. [Derek] Shackleton, for instance, was definitely, and still is, one of my great heroes.

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

Good planning is important. I've also regarded a sense of humor as one of the most important things on a big expedition. When you're in a difficult or dangerous situation, or when you're depressed about the chances of success, someone who can make you laugh eases the tension.

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

I never talk about being leaders and all the rest of it. I can only remember one or two occasions in my life when I actually issued orders, and I felt thoroughly miserable after doing it.