We shared a philosophy together [with June Hillary]. We believed very strongly in the welfare of helping other people, particularly the Third World people.

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

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

I have discovered that even the mediocre can have adventures and even the fearful can achieve.

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

I was certainly seriously emotionally affected [ when Louise Hillary and Belinda Hillary died], but we were building the hospital at the time and I decided that the only thing to do was to carry on and complete the hospital - and it was a jolly good hospital too, I might say. So I really did it by working and working on the things that Louise and I had been working on.

Everest you won't change, but I will get better...I will conquer you.