In reading "View from the Summit" by Sir Edmund Hillary, and "The Dream Comes True" by Tenzing Norgay, I found that their accounts of their dangerous trip up to Mount Everest reveal their true characteristics and strong points. Which of these two climbers would be a better partner? The better partner would be the one whose characteristics would benefit us both.
Sir Edmund Hillary was a skilled and well-known mountain climber. He knew what it took to be able to survive dangerous trips up a mountain. Yet he was also arrogant and thought mostly about himself. This is evident in his account because he mainly talks about himself. This arrogance may be a negative factor, but it may have been what drove him to be a strong leader. As soon as they head out on morning, he claims, " I took over the lead." Norgay, on the other hand, seems to be a striking contrast to Hillary.
Although Norgay was less skilled in mountain climbing, he did know more about the region than Hillary. In Hillary's account, he points out that Norgay was the one that knew Tengboche was ahead. Yet unlike Hillary, Norgay was a humble man and did not put himself before Hillary. He viewed Hillary as his equal. However, Norgay's humility did not allow him to be a strong leader. He was more of a follower. This could also be due to the fact that he was not as skilled as Hillary.
Hillary's qualities are good because he is skilled at what he does, which would take away any fear or doubts his partner may have. That is why Hillary would be a better partner. Though he may be arrogant, one can not let this get in the way of their safety. His knowledge would bring on this security. When doing something as dangerous as mountain climbing, every thing should be taken into consideration. Death may be near if even one small detail is overlooked.
Finally, I have realized through reading these two accounts that life is more important than a heart of humility and honest.
