"I go on expeditions for the same reason an estate agent sells houses - to pay the bills"

Ranulph Fiennes is recommending that his expeditions are inspired by monetary gain. He is comparing his expeditions to the work of an estate representative, who sells houses to earn a living. This contrast implies that Fiennes is not driven by a passion for expedition, but rather by the requirement to make money. He is suggesting that his expeditions are a method to an end, instead of a passion or hobby. This quote highlights the practicality of Fiennes' expeditions, and the reality that he is encouraged by monetary gain. It also recommends that Fiennes is a practical person, who is willing to take threats in order to earn money. This quote is a tip that, for some people, expeditions are not just a method to explore the world, but also a way to earn a living.