"For me, exploration was a personal venture. I did not go to the Arabian desert to collect plants nor to make a map; the fact that I have very successfully done these things were only incidental. I went there to find peace in the hardship of desert travel and the company of desert peoples. I set myself a goal on these journeys, and, although the goal itself was unimportant, its attainment had to be worth every effort and sacrifice. Scott had gone to the South Pole in order to stand for a few minutes on one particular and almost inaccessible spot on the earth's surface. He and his companions died on their way back, but even as they were dying he never doubted that the journey had been worthwhile. Everyone knew that there was nothing to be found on the top of Everest, but even in this materialistic age people would know not to ask, "What point is there in climbing Everest? What good will it do anyone when they get there?" They recognized that even today there are experiences that do not need to be justified in terms of material profit. For surely, no, it is not the goal but the way there that matters, and the harder the way the more worthwhile the journey."
- From "Thoughts on Exploration" by Sir Wilfred Thesiger, Oxford Book of Exploration.
