Sir Edmund Hillary Reveals Something More Satisfying than Climbing Everest
The top of the world straddles the border of Tibet and Nepal standing proudly at five and half miles high.
Mt. Everest, named after the British Surveyor General of India Sir George Everest, has taken the lives of about 300 mountaineers – 11 in 2019.
But Mt Everest gave life to Edmund Hillary.
It all began in 1922 when a British expedition made the first summit attempt but failed.
Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay finally succeeded on May 29, 1953. They became global celebrities. Today, Edmund’s likeness is on the New Zealand five dollar note.
Honor:
While walking out from Everest, mail runners delivered congratulatory mail to Edmond; one addressed to “Sir” Edmund Hillary. He thought it was a joke.
His first thought was, “When I’m back home with the bees I’ll have to buy myself a new pair of coveralls.” But Queen Elizabeth II made the beekeeper from New Zealand a Knight.
You might think that being the first to climb Everest would be the highlight of Sir Edmund’s life. But it wasn’t.
Meaning:
“We climbed Everest and left the region, not knowing that for me, Everest would be a steppingstone to something far more satisfying right here within its valley.“
“I think the things that we have done for the welfare of the Sherpa people has been really the most important activity that I have carried out in my life.” Sir Edmund Hillary
Service – not fame, status, or wealth – gives meaning to life.
In a way, Mt. Everest gave Sir Edmund Hillary his life.
How might you be of service today?
Afterword:
Sir Edmund Hillary spent a good part of his life building schools, bridges, hospitals, and airstrips in Nepal. In May 2003, he became an honorary citizen of Nepal.
There are no pictures of Sir Edmund Hillary on top of Mt. Everest. He took a picture of Tenzing. Later Hillary said. “I never even thought about taking a photograph of myself.”
On being knighted: Time reports that Hillary was horrified.
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Great story–better message.
I can be of service to two of my grandsons today.
Thanks Paul. It feels useful to approach the day or a situation with service point of view. Expecting others to serve me leads to frustration. Expecting to be of service to others leads to opportunity.
Enjoy those boys.
His humility is so refreshing in this age of arrogance. Brought to mind the scriptural phrase “being poured out like a drink offering”. Great perspective to begin my week.
Thanks CJ. I’m a huge fan of humility, even if I am often detached from it. In the age of selfies, not taking a picture of yourself on Mt. Everest doesn’t make much sense. 🙂
This is indeed a refreshing perspective in our current cultural climate. Our ability to contribute to the well-being of each other and to society for the greater good should always be what gets us out of bed in the morning (wear a mask!)
Thanks Amy. Strange how I need frequent reminders of this truth. 🙂
As a New Zealander, I understand Sir Edmund Hillarys humility – it is a trait many my fellow citizen’s exhibit. What he exemplifies is when you focus on others’ successes, that makes you a servant leader. Servant leaders along with level 5 leaders don’t need accolades for their focus is on the wellbeing and success of all. If you are lucky enough to work for a servant leader, you will understand the extraordinary power it brings to an organization.
Thanks Carolyn. We’ve all worked for a lousy leader. Let’s hope that more people get the opportunity to work for someone who is committed to servant leadership.
I agree with Carolyn (I’m another Kiwi reader of the Freak). We don’t get too up ourselves down here. Sir Ed is a hero to New Zealanders and a worthy person to be honoured on our $5 bill, but he didn’t like fuss. Recently his son Peter posted a cool picture of his dad and Tenzing smiling together – worth seeking out.
Thanks Warren. I spent a day watching videos and reading articles. He’s an incredible person. Here’s a link to a cool image on Time Magazine: https://time.com/3891554/hillary-norgay-everest-history/