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Writing Yourself to the Top
Master D.M.Lee | 7/25/2023
Sir Edmund Percival Hillary - New Zealand
Sir Edmund Percival Hillary (1919-2008) was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer, and philanthropist who gained international fame as one of the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Here are some key points about Sir Edmund Hillary and his accomplishments:
Mount Everest Expedition: In 1953, Hillary, along with the Nepalese Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, successfully climbed Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. This historic achievement marked the first confirmed ascent to the summit and established Hillary as a renowned mountaineer.
Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay - Public Domain
Humanitarian Work: Following his Everest expedition, Hillary dedicated himself to various humanitarian efforts in the mountainous regions of Nepal. He established the Himalayan Trust, which aimed to improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure for the local Sherpa communities. His contributions helped build schools, hospitals, bridges, and other vital facilities in the region.
Thame Gompa in Thame village, Nepal. Moralist
Exploration and Philanthropy: Hillary's adventurous spirit led him to undertake numerous exploratory expeditions around the world. He participated in a number of major expeditions, including journeys to the South Pole and the North Pole. Throughout his life, he remained committed to giving back, engaging in philanthropic endeavors and environmental conservation initiatives.
In the cockpit of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition's DHC-2, 1956 Public Domain
Legacy and Honors: Sir Edmund Hillary received numerous honors and awards in recognition of his achievements and humanitarian work. He was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 1953 and was later made a member of the Order of New Zealand. His face appears on the New Zealand five-dollar note.
Commander of the Order of the British Empire, United Kingdom. Type II, Civil division. CC
Beyond Mountaineering: Hillary's pursuits extended beyond mountaineering. He served as New Zealand's high commissioner (ambassador) to India and Bangladesh and was involved in promoting international understanding and environmental conservation.
Coat of arms of Edmund Hillary. Di, CC BY-SA 4.0
Personal Life: Hillary married Louise Mary Rose in 1953, and they had three children together. His wife and daughter, Belinda, tragically died in a plane crash in 1975. Hillary remarried in 1989 to June Mulgrew.
Sir Edmund Hillary's mountaineering achievements and dedication to philanthropy made him a highly respected figure globally. His successful ascent of Mount Everest, combined with his commitment to improving the lives of people in the Himalayan region, solidified his reputation as one of New Zealand's most revered and beloved individuals. His legacy continues through the ongoing work of the Himalayan Trust and the inspiration he provides to future adventurers and humanitarians.
Ichiyō Higuchi - Japan
Ichiyō Higuchi (1872-1896) was a prominent Japanese writer during the Meiji period. She is recognized as one of Japan's first modern female writers and is celebrated for her realistic and poignant portrayals of the lives of women from different social backgrounds. Here are some key points about Ichiyō Higuchi and her contributions:
Early Life and Background: Ichiyō Higuchi was born on May 2, 1872, in Tokyo, Japan. She grew up in a lower-middle-class family and faced economic hardships following the death of her father. These experiences greatly influenced her writing and her focus on the struggles of women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Ginza (Tokyo) in 1880
Literary Career: Higuchi began writing at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her talent. She published her first short story, "Hanaoka Seishū," in 1892, and it received critical acclaim. She went on to produce a body of work that consisted primarily of short stories, exploring themes such as poverty, the position of women in society, and the complexities of human relationships.
Realism and Social Commentary: Higuchi's writing style was characterized by its realism and detailed observations of everyday life. Her stories often depicted the harsh realities faced by women in Meiji-era Japan, including the struggles of lower-class women and the limitations imposed on them by societal expectations. Her works offered social commentary on gender roles, class distinctions, and the impact of rapid modernization on traditional values.
Vehicles on the Streets of Tokyo, 1870, Utagawa Yoshitora, MMA JP3378
Impact and Recognition: Despite her short life and relatively small body of work, Higuchi's contributions to Japanese literature were highly regarded. Her works resonated with readers, particularly women, and she became an influential figure in the literary community. She was one of the few women of her time to achieve recognition as a serious writer.
Evening Cherry Blossoms at Gotenyama, 1831 Utagawa Hiroshige, MMA JP2457
Legacy: Ichiyō Higuchi's writing continues to be studied and celebrated in Japan. Her stories are considered classics of modern Japanese literature, valued for their introspective and empathetic portrayal of marginalized individuals. Higuchi's work paved the way for future generations of female writers, inspiring them to explore social issues and challenge societal norms through their writing.
Ichiyō Higuchi's dedication to portraying the struggles and aspirations of women in Meiji-era Japan, coupled with her literary talent, cemented her status as a significant figure in Japanese literature. Her works remain relevant today, offering insights into the social dynamics and evolving roles of women in Japanese society during a period of rapid change
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