Michael Morpurgo Reveals His Year at Sandhurst and the Allure of Looking Sharp in Uniform

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Michael Morpurgo Reveals His Year at Sandhurst and the Allure of Looking Sharp in Uniform

Michael Morpurgo recently reflected on his life experiences, highlighting his year at Sandhurst and the importance of personal connections. He believes the countryside fosters community, allowing people to connect over simple conversations while enjoying nature. According to Morpurgo, excessive engagement with phones detracts from these meaningful encounters.

Life Lessons from Time at Sandhurst

At 18, Morpurgo joined the army and attended Sandhurst with aspirations of becoming a soldier. The allure of looking sharp in uniform and a desire for adventure initially inspired him. However, it was a conversation with Clare, who would later become his wife, that prompted him to reconsider his path.

Year at Sandhurst: 18 years old
Initial motivation: Enjoyment of rugby and desire to travel
Influence of Clare: Encouraged him to leave military life

Transitioning to a New Path

Morpurgo’s decision to leave the army led him to pursue higher education, despite facing struggles during this time. He earned a third-class degree from King’s College London, where he studied English, French, and Philosophy. He admits that balancing marriage and studies was challenging.

Finding His Vocation

Teaching became a significant turning point in Morpurgo’s life. His experiences in the classroom helped him discover his true self and enabled him to contribute meaningfully to others through storytelling. He sees teaching as an integral aspect of his writing process.

Reflections on Aging and Gratitude

Now at 82, Morpurgo emphasizes the importance of appreciating life’s experiences. He acknowledges that everyone faces challenges, but he believes that having support systems is crucial. His journey has taught him resilience and the value of companionship.

Though he hesitates to offer advice, he shares a poignant reminder: “Don’t be in such a hurry, stand and stare, and hold people’s hands.” His latest work, “Funny Thing, Getting Older,” reflects these themes and is available for purchase at £20.