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

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

In those days we were punished very frequently and I felt that it was often unjust, and so I would resist the desire to agree with many, many things. So I used to get beaten quite frequently and I more or less accepted it as part of life.

Human life is far more important than just getting to the top of a mountain.

We had so much in common [with June Hillary] that we just carried on with life as we had been doing. It wasn't easy, but it was - I realise now that it was the only thing to do.

I don't know if I particularly want to be remembered for anything. I personally do not think I'm a great gift to the world. I've been very fortunate.

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