“Deeply earnest and thoughtful people stand on shaky footing with the public. ”

“People who think honestly and deeply have a hostile attitude towards the public.”

“Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation, and publicly and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathy with despised and persecuted ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences...”

“Everest has always been a magnet for kooks, publicity seekers, hopeless romantics and others with a shaky hold on reality.”

“If you're going to fall out of love with public approval, something interesting will happen: people will be deeply attracted to your work.”

“They were simple, earnest people, those early Victorians, and had not yet learnt the trick of avoiding disturbing thoughts and sights.”