It's always dangerous to lionize people. As soon as someone has been "sainted," feet of clay seem to appear.
One suspects, however, that Sir Edmund Hillary — the New Zealand mountaineer who scaled Mount Everest 50 years ago — will continue to stand solidly for years to come.
He has been standing on solid ground his entire life.
In an era of big money and bigger egos, the notion of a "gentleman hero" seems almost quaint. But Edmund Hillary is such a creature. He doesn't like to be fussed over. His telephone number still appears in the local phone book. He seems embarrassed by all the folderol surrounding the anniversary of his climb.
When he reached the top of Everest, he didn't dance and sing. He simply extended his hand to Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who had taken him there. Hillary took photographs. Tensing dug a hole in the snow and put some candy and cookies in it as an offering to the gods. Then the men returned.
In England, Hillary was greeted like a conquering hero, where his soft-spoken style only enhanced his appeal. News of his feat arrived on the day of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Hillary's story proved to be the more compelling. His one regret, Hillary says today, is he allowed himself to utter a mild profanity in his elation at reaching the summit. He has always felt bad about disappointing his mother.
Sir Ed, as he was known, descended the mountain but has never fallen from grace. Upon his return, he used his new-found fame to further humanitarian causes, including bringing aid and recognition to the people of Nepal. In 1961, Hillary directed the building of the first of two dozen schools in Nepal. He also helped with the construction of hospitals and has used his fame to further tourism in the area. He is a father figure in the Solu-Khumu region and continues to return each year, looking for ways to be of assistance.
The Associated Press reports that Hillary views the commercialization of Everest and the hype surrounding all the camps and climbs today with "mild concern and regret."
It is a circumspect reaction from a circumspect man.
Seeing Sir Edmund back on the world stage today has served as a lesson in contrasts. He still speaks quietly and has little use for fanfare. At age 83, he's in good health and uses his time wisely. His understated manner stands in stark opposition to the bombastic pronouncements that blare from Hollywood, professional athletics and other arenas.
Hillary feels no impulse to crow.
"To live well in the quiet routine of life, to fill a little space because God wills it, to smile for the joys of others when the heart is aching, who does this is one of God's heroes," wrote Frederick Farrar.
By all accounts, Edmund Hillary qualifies.
And given what he has done in the past and who he is, one doubts there'll be need for much revising of his history.