Maurice Herzog

Date of Birth: January 15, 1919

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: December 13, 2012

Biography

Maurice Herzog was a renowned French mountaineer, athlete, and author, born on January 15, 1919, in Lyon, France. He is best known for leading the first successful ascent of an 8,000-meter peak, Annapurna, in the Himalayas on June 3, 1950. This historic climb made Herzog an international hero and cemented his place in the annals of mountaineering history. He later documented the expedition in his bestselling book “Annapurna,” which has inspired generations of climbers. Before his fame as a mountaineer, Herzog was involved in various athletic pursuits, including skiing and running. He served in the French Resistance during World War II, which further showcased his bravery and resilience. After the war, he dedicated himself to mountaineering, joining the French Alpine Club and eventually leading the Annapurna expedition. Herzog’s career was not limited to mountaineering; he also had a successful political career, serving as the French Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports from 1958 to 1965. His contributions to French sports and youth development were highly regarded, and he played a significant role in promoting physical education in France. Maurice Herzog passed away on December 13, 2012, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. His legacy as a pioneering mountaineer and influential public figure continues to be celebrated worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Maurice Herzog

1. Maurice Herzog was the first person to ascend an 8,000-meter peak, Annapurna, on June 3, 1950.

2. Herzog’s book “Annapurna” has sold over 11 million copies worldwide and has been translated into dozens of languages.

3. He served as the French Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports from 1958 to 1965.

4. Herzog was a member of the French Resistance during World War II.

5. Despite losing all his fingers and toes to frostbite during the Annapurna expedition, Herzog continued to be active in sports and public service.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Maurice Herzog

1. “There are other Annapurnas in the lives of men.”

2. “It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”

3. “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

4. “Annapurna is a book of records, but above all, it is a book of the heart.”

5. “To live without hope is to cease to live.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth Maurice Herzog achieved is not publicly documented, but his influence and contributions to mountaineering and public service are immeasurable.