I've always hated the danger part of climbing, and it's great to come down again because it's safe.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the relief that comes with safety after facing a dangerous challenge like climbing.
Edmund Hillary reflects on the paradox of climbing, acknowledging the inherent dangers involved, yet also appreciating the contrast of safety that follows after successfully overcoming such risks. This highlights the idea that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to embrace challenges for the sense of accomplishment they bring.
In practice
This quote can inspire climbers to reflect on their own experiences with fear and safety.
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 they think is very difficult for them, or which perhaps may be a little dangerous.
Despite all I have seen and experiences, I still get the same thrill out of glimpsing a tiny patch of snow in a high mountain gully and feel the same urge to climb toward it.
Even when you're 50, you can make the effort to improve your standards.
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.
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.
Knowing what must be done does away with fear.
Have you ever been hurt and the place tries to heal a bit, and you just pull the scar off of it over and over again.
Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy.
The athlete who is building muscles though weight training should be very sure to work adequately on speed and flexibility at the same time. In combat, without the prior attributes, a strong man will be like the bull with its colossal strength futilely pursuing the matador or like a low-geared truck chasing a rabbit.
I had to endure the worst time of all in terms of racial discrimination in Hollywood when i first started out. It was inconcievable to American directors and producers that a Mexican woman could have a lead role.
This is what I tell, especially young women, fight the big fights. Don't fight the little fight... Be the first one in, be the last one out. Do your homework, choose your battles. Don't whine, and don't be the one who complains about everything. Fight the big fight.
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