I am inclined to think that the realm of mythology is where the Yeti rightly belongs.
With practice and focus, you can extend yourself far more than you ever believed possible.
When I was climbing, I built up a close relationship with the Sherpa people.
I think it all comes down to motivation. If you really want to do something, you will work hard for it.
Nobody climbs mountains for scientific reasons. Science is used to raise money for the expeditions, but you really climb for the hell of it.
The Sherpas play a very important role in most mountaineering expeditions, and in fact many of them lead along the ridges and up to the summit.
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.
I still had the same affection for New Zealand as I've always had. Didn't change at all.
On the summit of Everest, I had a feeling of great satisfaction to be first there.
As a youngster I was a great dreamer, reading many books of adventure and walking lonely miles with my head in the clouds.
Nothing can replace courage, a resounding motivation, and that little bit of luck.
My mother really was the strength in our family. She would sort of keep us in line and I admired her very much .
I have to admit I do get a bit depressed at times and you know I think about the good old days when I was charging ahead.
I did have my moments of despair. It was certainly not - it's not an experience I would like to have again. And then June came along.
I think Himalayan climbers tend to mature fairly late. I think most of the successful Himalayan climbers have ranged from 28 to just over 40, really.
The truth is, I'm just a rough old New Zealander who has enjoyed many challenges in his life.
Challenge is what makes men. It will be the end when men stop looking for new challenges.
Even when you're 50, you can make the effort to improve your standards.
I was a dreamer when I was at high school and even primary school. I used to dream about doing adventurous things.
I enjoyed climbing with other people, good friends, but I did quite a lot of solo climbing, too.
I was scared many times on Everest, but this is all part of the challenge. When I fell down a crevasse, it was pretty scary.
Once I've decided to do something, I do usually try to carry it through to fruition.
I've always hated the danger part of climbing, and it's great to come down again because it's safe.
I have discovered that even the mediocre can have adventures and even the fearful can achieve.
Many people have been getting too casual about climbing Everest. I forecast a disaster many times.
I am a lucky man. I have had a dream and it has come true, and that is not a thing that happens often to men.
Human life is far more important than just getting to the top of a mountain.
People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.
I had a very strong desire to carry out adventures, but in those early days I didn't actually do any. I just dreamt about it.
Take advantage of the years of pioneering efforts. You might find this boring, as the young want to rush head on, as it were.
I was extremely lucky that I had two great wives. It sounds a bit funny to say that, but it's absolutely true.
I was not a beater of children and as a consequence I've always been, I think, very agreeable and co-operative.
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.
