It's not a real adventure when you have to pay for it.

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.

When you go to the mountains, you see them and you admire them. In a sense, they give you a challenge, and you try to express that challenge by climbing them.

I think it all comes down to motivation. If you really want to do something, you will work hard for 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 realised a little bit to my astonishment that I can give a lecture for a thousand people, and there will be this tumultuous applause, so, you know, I have the feeling well, it can't be all that bad.