I never wanted to be a businessman; I was a craftsman and good at working with my hands. At some point, I decided that this company is my best resource. Patagonia now exists to put into practice all the things that smart people are saying we have to do not only to save the planet but to save the economy.

You have to remember this was the '60s, when climbing was dangerous and sex was safe.

I purposely try to hire people who are really self-motivated and good at what they do, and then I just leave them alone.

The word adventure has gotten overused. For me, when everything goes wrong - that's when adventure starts

During the sixties, all the risk-type sports were very popular, because everybody was rebelling against their parents, or rebelling against the whole system. But those days are over. This is the day of conservatism.

The future of Yosemite climbing lies not in Yosemite, but in using the new techniques in the great granite ranges of the world.

No young kid growing up dreams of someday becoming a businessman. He wants to be a fireman, a sponsored athlete or a forest ranger The Lee Iacoccas, Donald Trumps, and Jack Welchs of the business world are heroes to no one except other businessmen with similar values.