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Greg Mortenson
86quotes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Greg Mortenson is a renowned American mountaineer, humanitarian, and author. He is often referred to by his full name, Greg Mortenson.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 23, 1957, in Munich, West Germany, Mortenson's life has been marked by adventure and purpose. As of this writing, he remains alive and continues to be an influential figure in the world of humanitarian work.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Mortenson holds American citizenship and is a mountaineer, humanitarian worker, and author. His professional endeavors have spanned multiple fields, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in the United States, Mortenson was raised in a family that valued exploration and adventure. He developed an early interest in climbing mountains and spent significant time as a young boy studying languages and cultures. After serving as a medic in the U.S. Air Force during the 1980s, Mortenson attempted to climb K2, the second-highest peak in the world, but was forced to abandon his attempt due to bad weather.
Early Years in Pakistan
Mortenson's encounter with disaster on K2 led him to seek refuge in a small village called Hanauti. During his time there, he befriended some locals and began learning about their way of life. This period had a profound impact on Mortenson, inspiring him to dedicate himself to improving the lives of those he encountered.
Major Accomplishments
Mortenson's contributions to humanitarian work are numerous and varied. He founded the Central Asia Institute (CAI), an organization dedicated to promoting education in some of the world's most impoverished regions. Through CAI, Mortenson initiated numerous projects aimed at building schools and providing educational resources to remote communities.
Notable Works or Actions
One of Mortenson's most notable achievements was his involvement in building the Korphe School in a small village in Pakistan. This school has become a model for education initiatives in the region and serves as a testament to the power of community-driven development. Additionally, Mortenson co-authored several books with David Oliver Relin, including Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools, which recount his experiences and offer insights into the challenges faced by those working in humanitarian fields.
Impact and Legacy
Mortenson's work has had a lasting impact on communities worldwide. Through his efforts to promote education and improve living conditions, he has empowered countless individuals to pursue their goals and create positive change within their own environments. As an advocate for sustainable development, Mortenson continues to inspire new generations of humanitarian workers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Greg Mortenson is widely remembered for his selfless dedication to improving the lives of others. His commitment to education and community-driven development has set a high standard for those working in humanitarian fields. Through his writing and public speaking, he continues to share his experiences and offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by global communities.
In summary, Greg Mortenson's life is a testament to the power of determination and compassion. From his early years as a mountaineer to his current role as an advocate for sustainable development, Mortenson has left an indelible mark on the world. His work continues to inspire individuals from all walks of life to strive for positive change in their communities and beyond.
Quotes by Greg Mortenson
Greg Mortenson's insights on:

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Yes, I first visited Korphe village, Braldu valley, Baltistan, Pakistan, after failing to summit K2 in 1993, and met Haji Ali, a long time dear mentor and friend. My second visit to Korphe was in 1994.

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People who live in the last places-the people who are most neglected and least valued by the larger world- often represent the best of who we are and the finest standards of what we are to become.

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I have always been dismayed by the West’s failure – or unwillingness – to recognize that establishing secular schools that offer children a balanced and nonextremist form of education is probably the cheapest and most effective way of combating this kind of indoctrination.

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One thing that I noticed is having met some former Taliban is even they, as children, grew up being indoctrinated. They grew up in violence. They grew up in war. They were taught to hate. They were, they grew up in very ignorant cultures where they didn’t learn about the outside world.

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Greg has never been on time in his life,” his mother said. “Ever he was a boy, Greg has always operated on African time.” In Africa, many people have a more relaxed attitude towards time than is common in the United States. What an African would consider on time, an American would probably think of as late.

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I wish all the Americans who think ‘Muslim’ is just another way of saying ‘terrorist’ could have been there that day. The true core tenants of Islam are justice, tolerance, and charity.

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Abdul brushed the dirt from the American’s forehead, where it had been pressed to the cool ground. “Not Pakistan man,” he said. “But if you say Bosnia, I believe.

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Isn’t it better to live in ignorance of everything – asphalt and macadam, vehicles, telephones, televisions – to live in bliss without knowing it?

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And they did it with something that is basicly worthless in our society – pennies. But overseas, pennies can move mountains.
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