Michael Morpurgo Reflects on Sandhurst Experience: ‘I Looked Good in Uniform’

Michael Morpurgo, the acclaimed author, shared his reflections on his formative years, particularly his time at Sandhurst. He candidly discussed the reasons behind his initial pursuit of a military career.

Michael Morpurgo: From Sandhurst to Storytelling

At just 18, Morpurgo enrolled at Sandhurst, drawn by the allure of the uniform and the excitement of military life. He recalled, “I looked good in uniform, liked rugby, and wanted to travel the world.” However, he later recognized that his aspirations were not deeply thought-out.

A Pivotal Choice

Morpurgo credits his wife, Clare, for urging him to reconsider his path. Her challenging question prompted him to leave the military and pursue higher education. He attended King’s College London, where he humorously reflected on earning a third-class degree in English, French, and Philosophy.

Reconnecting with Identity

Teaching became a transformative experience for Morpurgo. It allowed him to discover his true self and provide value to others. He expressed that every individual should have the opportunity to realize their potential through meaningful work.

Appreciating Life’s Journey

Now at 82, Morpurgo shared insights on the importance of appreciating what one has. He emphasized that life’s difficulties teach resilience. “You learn strength when you’re younger,” he remarked. Morpurgo firmly believes that having support systems is crucial for navigating life’s challenges.

Final Reflections

Though he shies away from giving advice, he encouraged others to slow down and truly engage with those around them. “Don’t be in such a hurry, stand and stare, and hold people’s hands,” he advised.

For fans of Morpurgo, his latest book, “Funny Thing, Getting Older,” is available for purchase. It delves into themes of aging and self-acceptance and is published by Hodder.