I was just an enthusiastic mountaineer of modest abilities who was willing to work quite hard and had the necessary imagination and determination. I was just an average bloke. It was the media that tried to transform me into a heroic figure. But I’ve learned through the years, as long as you don’t believe all that rubbish about yourself, you can’t come to too much harm.
I don’t know if I particularly want to be remembered for anything. I have enjoyed great satisfaction from my climb of Everest. But my most worthwhile things have been the building of schools and medical clinics. That has given me more satisfaction than a footprint on a mountain.
Sir Edmond Hillary, 1st to stand atop Mt Everest along with his Sherpa guide, Tenzing Norgay
As quoted by David Oliver Relin and Greg Mortenson in “Three Cups of Tea”
(1098)
