Parenting Quote by Michael Morpurgo
““I should begin at the beginning. I know that. But the trouble is that I don’t know the beginning. I wish I did. I do know my name, Arthur Hobhouse. Arthur Hobhouse had a beginning, that’s for certain. I had a father and a mother too, but God only knows who they were, and maybe even he doesn’t know for sure. I mean, God can’t be looking everywhere all at once, can he? So where the name Arthur Hobhouse comes from and who gave it to me I have no idea. I don’t even know if it’s my real name. I don’t know the date and place of my birth either, only that it was probably in Bermondsey, London, sometime in about 1940.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: "Arthur Hobhouse" (fictional memoir), 2024
The narrator struggles with unknown origins, questioning identity and the limits of knowledge.
In simple terms: Uncertainty about birth and identity.
Key Takeaway
Embrace curiosity despite unknowns.
Themes
identity
existence
search for meaning
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- genealogy research
- personal storytelling
- creative writing
Key Concepts
Philosophical inquiry
self‑discovery
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines you beyond your name?
- How does uncertainty shape your life?
A Different Perspective
Some mysteries may remain unresolved.
