- Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first to summit Mount Everest in 1953, though some believe George Mallory may have reached the top in 1924 before dying on his descent. - People climb Everest for personal satisfaction and prestige, though some question if it holds the same level of prestige today as in the early 20th century given increasing commercialization. - Reaching the summit requires immense physical fitness, technical skills, and risk tolerance given dangers of weather, low oxygen levels, potential for falls or avalanches.