Chris Mccandless Journey

A Chance at Life

Sometimes in life you need to take risks to achieve what you want. Some may have to jump through hoops, while others get any easy shot at the prize. We are all aiming for the same goal, and in hope for similar things. I have become one in the herd, slowly moving towards what I believe is the American dream.

In the novel Into the Wild, written by Jon Krakauer, Chris McCandless pursues his own idea of the “American dream”. He abandoned his vehicle, family, money, home and possessions to embark on a journey different than any other. Chris McCandless after graduating from Emory University as a top student of his class, had finally satisfied his parents wishes. However, for Chris the graduation meant nothing but good bye to his old ways. The life that he had once lived, will no longer exist. He would go by a new name Alex. A nomad with a dream to get to Alaska. Chris’s journey took him to various new places, creating new bonds with people from various different positions in

life. In the novel he demonstrates how one has the ability to change his life entirely in the hope that he can find true freedom, a life where every decision is in his hands.
While reading McCandless’s story I learned that living life to the fullest sometimes means taking risks. In the novel, Jon Krakauer writes, “The core of a man’s spirit comes from new experiences” (Krakauer). For some living life to the fullest means taking risky actions in order to do the unthinkable. Chris McCandless did exactly that. As I read on about how this man was walking, boating, and catching rides from strangers traveling North up the Western coast states I grew more eager to get out and explore my surroundings. I found myself hiking to the top of ledges with a chance of plummeting down, for a better look, swimming in the ocean when it was painfully numb, and stopping my day to sit and enjoy the few raindrops that fall in San Diego. Every time taking slight risks to discover a new experience or feeling. Spontaneously changing my day grew to be okay with me, and sudden changes made for exciting days. I once rushed through life, racing to get to the next destination. I saw everything, but felt nothing. I saw things to do, people to see, and work to be finished. It was not until I read Into the Wild did my vision change. I became more patient and willing to learn. I began to stop and appreciate nature and what's around me. Ultimately, if it wasn’t for me picking up the book I would be drastically different.
However, just because I find the story of Chris McCandless to be extraordinary, doesn’t mean others don’t have contradicting opinions. For instance, in the novel by Jon Krakauer, he states “Some readers admired the boy immensely for his courage and noble ideals; others [thought] that he was a reckless idiot, a wacko, a narcissist who perished out of arrogance and stupidity -- and was undeserving of the considerable media attention he received”(Krakauer). Although I disagree with much that is mentioned above referring to McCandless, I fully endorse the conclusion that he was reckless with his actions,but an idiot, I say not. He wished to live off the land like our ancestors once had; so that is what he did. However, he was reckless with his actions and planning. He was ill prepared and didn't have the proper necessities to sustain himself. Unfortunately, this had to do with the death of Chris.
Furthermore, while reading the novel based on Chris McCandless journey I began to reflect on how people played an impact on his journey.

Chris was bitter at his family life. Angry that his parents had lied to him his whole life,he resented them and perhaps they were the reason for his odyssey. Although, McCandless set out alone on his journey he met many people along the way to provide him comfort. Surprisingly, this is the case. Looking at the statement made by the author in the novel, “McCandless was thrilled to be on his way north, and he was relieved as well—relieved that he had again evaded the impending threat of human intimacy, of friendship, and all the messy emotional baggage that comes with it”(Krakauer). This quote illustrates McCandless’s contempt for anything emotional and his wish to isolate himself from family and friends, whose closeness challenges his wish for separation. He describes any form of intimacy as “messy,” escaping before anything is asked of

him..
However, Chris had a change of mind during his journey. As he set out to be isolated and alone he actually found himself meeting new people and sharing companionship with them often. In the novel it states, “Happiness is only real when shared”(Krakauer). This quote demonstrates the power of people. Chris McCandless set off on a journey to be in solitude, but soon realized that in order to achieve his goal of happiness he is going to have to learn to trust people once again.
While reading the novel my beliefs and ideas changed quickly like the page turning. The novel taught me many ideas that I hold true to myself today. I discovered that materials are only that, and no matter who you are you can truly do anything you please. Chris McCandless could have been anything in life, and he decided that was and adventurer. An entrepreneur for a whole new design on life. McCandless will be a hero to some, and a idiotic fool to others. However, whatever you wish to call him know that the man did something that no one has done before. He pursued his true American dream, one where no one told him what to do, or when to do it. He was a nomad, wandering until he replenished his soul.