Explore the detailed summary of The Summit by Edmund Hillary, highlighting his historic Everest expedition, challenges faced, and the triumph of human spirit. Perfect for students and literature enthusiasts.
The Summit Class Class 12 Summary By Edmund Hillary
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Summary of The Summit By Edmund Hillary
Introduction
“The Summit” is an excerpt from a very inspiring autobiography written by Sir Edmund Hillary. It is not just the story of climbing a mountain, but a journey of a man’s bold thinking, self-confidence and overcoming inner struggles.
On 29 May 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay together stepped on the peak of Mount Everest for the first time in human history. It was not only a victory over physical height, but also an achievement achieved by fighting from the depths of the soul.
Detailed Summary
Everest was not difficult, but a challenge
Edmund Hillary tells that climbing Everest was not easy. As the altitude increased, lack of oxygen, exhaustion, strong icy winds and dangerous paths – all these were trying to break him physically.
With every step, fear was also going along – what if the feet slip, what if a rock falls, what if the oxygen runs out. But despite all these fears, he did not step back.
He believes that in this entire journey there were not only external challenges, but there was also a huge internal struggle – defeating oneself, fighting with one’s fear and feeling of inability.
Climbing to the peak of the mind
Hilary says that there are many such “Everests” in all of our lives – some are outside, like failure, poverty, health problems, and some are inside – like self-doubt, fear, inferiority complex.
He believes that:
“We do not conquer the mountain, but ourselves.”
He felt that the most difficult part of this climb was to defeat the fear within him – the feeling that repeatedly said, “You can’t do this.”
Importance of Partner – Tenzing Norgay
Conquering Everest was not possible alone. Hilari also gives full credit for this success to Tenzing Norgay. He remembered Tenzing as a very calm, fearless and dedicated partner.
Both of them supported each other completely. When Hilari felt weak, Tenzing would inspire him to move forward. And when Tenzing got tired, Hilari would support him.
This journey made him understand that teamwork and trust can make any impossible task possible.
Moment of reaching the top of Everest
When they finally reached the top of Everest, that moment was not just a physical success, but became a spiritual experience.
Upon reaching the summit, he felt as if he was standing on top of the world, but inside he was very humble and calm. Standing there, he realized that this victory was not something to be proud of, but an occasion to express gratitude.
He left a small flag and the items of worship offered by Tenzing there — to indicate that this victory was a mixed story of human effort and respect for nature.
Return and Introspection
By the time he returned down, he was very tired, but his mind was filled with complete satisfaction. Now he did not have any medal to show, but he was sure that he had touched such a height, which can become the biggest inspiration of life.
He believes that:
Every person has a peak in his life,
And to cross it
The most important thing is – faith in yourself.
Main messages and values of the story
1. Inner and outer victory:
Climbing Everest was not just a physical goal, but also a victory over fears in one’s mind.
2. Power of self-belief:
Edmund Hillary doubted many times whether he would be able to do it, but he picked himself up every time and moved forward.
3. Importance of partner:
Nothing is possible alone. Partnership, trust and support are the keys to success.
4. Humility and balance:
Even after such a big achievement, Hillary did not become arrogant, but became more calm and humble.
5. There is Everest in everyone’s life:
It is not necessary for all of us to climb Everest, but reaching the top of our goals is the real victory.
Conclusion
“The Summit” is an autobiography that teaches us that to reach heights in life, we have to fight not only with external challenges, but also with our own inner fears, dilemmas and limitations.
This story of Sir Edmund Hillary teaches us:
Never give up,
Believe in yourself,
And if you conquer your fear,
Then you have reached the highest peak of your life.
Inspirational line
“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
Recommended Reading
Incident of the French Camp By Robert Browning
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