I think I understand that religious faith which makes the holy brave and strong; my strength is just somewhere else--it's in myself...I do not fear what may await me, though I'm equally confident that nothing awaits.

In climbing, having confidence in your partners is no small concern. One climber's actions can affect the welfare of the entire team.

Military investigations are designed not to find anyone guilty.

But somethings in life are more important than being happy. Like being free to think for yourself.

Having stumbled upon a tolerable career, for the first time in my life I was actually living above the poverty line. My hunger to climb had been blunted, in short, by a bunch of small satisfactions that added up to something like happiness.

The thing that is most beautiful about Antarctica for me is the light. It's like no other light on Earth, because the air is so free of impurities. You get drugged by it, like when you listen to one of your favorite songs. The light there is a mood-enhancing substance.

If you want a blank spot on the map, you gotta leave the map behind.