Quotes by Edmund Hillary

About Edmund Hillary:

Sir Edmund Percival Hillary was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer and philanthropist. On 29 May 1953, Hillary and Nepalese Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest. They were part of the ninth British expedition to Everest, led by John Hunt. Hillary was named by Time as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

You don't have to be a hero to accomplish great things---to compete. You can just be an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals.

Edmund Hillary

Becoming a 'Sir' is slightly uncomfortable at first, although it is a considerable honor. It is amazing how quickly you become accustomed to it.

Edmund Hillary

I can remember when I first went into the Himalayan area way back in 1951. Money, for instance, was not important at all to the local people. But now, finance has become just as important to them as it is to us, and this is a change maybe not for the...

Edmund Hillary

I think I mainly climb mountains because I get a great deal of enjoyment out of it. I never attempt to analyze these things too thoroughly, but I think that all mountaineers do get a great deal of satisfaction out of overcoming some challenge which t...

Edmund Hillary

While on top of Everest, I looked across the valley towards the great peak Makalu and mentally worked out a route about how it could be climbed. It showed me that even though I was standing on top of the world, it wasn't the end of everything. I was ...

Edmund Hillary

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

Edmund Hillary

Ever since the morning of May 29, 1953, when Tenzing Norgay and I became the first climbers to step onto the summit of Mount Everest, I've been called a great adventurer.

Edmund Hillary

I have enjoyed great satisfaction from my climb of Everest and my trips to the poles. But there's no doubt that my most worthwhile things have been the building of schools and medical clinics.

Edmund Hillary

I've always hated the danger part of climbing, and it's great to come down again because it's safe.

Edmund Hillary

I like to think of Everest as a great mountaineering challenge, and when you've got people just streaming up the mountain - well, many of them are just climbing it to get their name in the paper, really.

Edmund Hillary

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.

Edmund Hillary

I enjoyed climbing with other people, good friends, but I did quite a lot of solo climbing, too.

Edmund Hillary

I think the really good mountaineer is the man with the technical ability of the professional and with the enthusiasm and freshness of approach of the amateur.

Edmund Hillary

Good planning is important. I've also regarded a sense of humor as one of the most important things on a big expedition. When you're in a difficult or dangerous situation, or when you're depressed about the chances of success, someone who can make yo...

Edmund Hillary

I really haven't liked the commercialization of mountaineering, particularly of Mt. Everest. By paying $65,000, you can be conducted to the summit by a couple of good guides.

Edmund Hillary

I think that a good mountaineer is usually a sensible mountaineer.

Edmund Hillary

I don't regard myself as a cracking good climber. I'm just strong in the back. I have a lot of enthusiasm, and I'm good on ice.

Edmund Hillary

I'm sure the feeling of fear, as long as you can take advantage of it and not be rendered useless by it, can make you extend yourself beyond what you would regard as your capacity. If you're afraid, the blood seems to flow freely through the veins, a...

Edmund Hillary

I was extremely lucky that I had two great wives. It sounds a bit funny to say that, but it's absolutely true.

Edmund Hillary

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

Edmund Hillary

Author Bio

  • NameEdmund Hillary
  • DescriptionNew Zealand beekeeper and mountaineer
  • BornJuly 20, 1919
  • DiedJanuary 11, 2008
  • CountryNew Zealand
  • ProfessionExplorer; Philanthropist; Beekeeper; Ambassador; Diplomat; Autobiographer; Mountaineer
  • AwardsKnight Commander Of The Order Of The British Empire; Order Of The Garter; Padma Vibhushan; Polar Medal; Order Of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu