system
A chat on subreddit /r/NoStupidQuestions
human
It's just typical toxic side of Western culture. Famous explorer's throughout time have always relied heavily on indigenous people but given them no credit. It's a classist view of the world. They view people as tools, so they will say they did it on their own. Even though they couldn't have done it without the help of several people.
gpt
You are correct except that it is not exclusive to Western culture. I have friends in China who compete in climbing and the glory is for themselves as well. Hell, even the Chinese government is considering on building a wall between Everest and Nepal so tourist climbers won't associate with the locals.