The Life of My Choice summary

The Early Years

In The Life of My Choice, Wilfred Thesiger begins his autobiography by recounting his privileged yet unconventional upbringing in England. Born into an aristocratic family, he was raised by a stepmother who instilled in him a love for the natural world and a disdain for materialistic pursuits. His father, a British diplomat, was often absent, leaving Wilfred to seek solace in the countryside.

Thesiger's early years were marked by his intense desire for adventure and exploration. He attended Eton College, where he excelled in academics and sports, but his heart was set on traveling to distant lands. His passion for exploration was further fueled by the stories of his uncle, who served as a British consul in the Middle East, and his experiences as a young man in Africa.

Exploring the Middle East and Africa

After graduating from Oxford, Thesiger joined the Sudan Political Service and was posted to a remote region in the southern part of the country. This marked the beginning of his lifelong fascination with the Middle East and Africa. He immersed himself in the local culture, learning Arabic and adopting the nomadic lifestyle of the indigenous people.

His next assignment took him to the Arabian Peninsula, where he spent five years exploring the desolate and unforgiving landscapes of the Rub' al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter. His experiences in this harsh environment, living with the Bedouins and enduring extreme conditions, formed the basis of his acclaimed book, Arabian Sands.

World War II and Aftermath

With the outbreak of World War II, Thesiger returned to England and joined the British Army, serving in various capacities in the Middle East and North Africa. His war experiences, including a stint as a liaison officer with the Sudan Defence Force, further solidified his connection with the region and its people.

After the war, Thesiger resumed his explorations, focusing on the little-known regions of Ethiopia, Iraq, and Pakistan. He developed a deep admiration for the indigenous tribes and their traditional ways of life, which were rapidly disappearing in the face of modernization and political upheaval.

Adventures in Africa and Photography

Thesiger's African expeditions were equally remarkable. He embarked on several journeys across the harsh terrains of the Danakil Desert, the Simien Mountains, and the Omo Valley, documenting the vanishing cultures of the tribes he encountered. His passion for photography blossomed during these trips, and he captured stunning images of the people and landscapes.

In The Life of My Choice, Thesiger reflects on his dual identity as a British explorer and his deep affinity for the people and places he encountered. He expresses his disdain for the rapid changes sweeping through the regions he loved, lamenting the loss of traditional cultures and the destruction of the natural environment.

Later Years and Legacy

In his later years, Thesiger continued to advocate for the preservation of indigenous cultures and the protection of wilderness areas. He was a vocal critic of modern development projects that he believed threatened the delicate balance of these ecosystems.

Wilfred Thesiger's The Life of My Choice concludes with a sense of fulfillment in a life well-lived. He passed away in 2003, leaving behind a rich legacy of exploration, conservation, and a deep respect for the diversity of human cultures. His writings and photographs continue to inspire and educate readers about the remote corners of the world he so passionately explored.