If there is such a thing as spiritual materialism, it is displayed in the urge to possess the mountains rather than to unravel and accept their mysteries.

I see one single suitable role for my life's work: for it to be a gift to others.

Great effort, fear and suffering sweet all the worthless chaff out of us.

The man coming back from the hard mountain trip is a wiser being, calmer and radiating inside. I'd say momentary liberated.

I just have a dream mountain under the eyelids, this is my breath, my life.

I like to describe Himalayan climbing as a kind of art of suffering. Just pushing, pushing yourself to your limits.

When you are totally defeated you begin again to enjoy the small things around you. Just going to the mountains, not for victory or glory, but to enjoy nature or enjoy fine people. If you always succeed you enjoy the admiration of many people. Being defeated means being limited to the basis existential choices of life. If you can enjoy the quiet evening hours it is beautiful; a hero who always succeeds may not have time to enjoy such things.