Mccandless Vs Treadwell Analysis

What sets people apart in life are the decisions we make and the paths we follow, but sometimes our judgement is clouded and it is difficult to make the right choices. In which case, we seek guidance on what to do. However, for Henry David Thoreau, Chris McCandless, and Timothy Treadwell, a sense of independence or even sheer stubbornness may cause someone to ignore the advice of others. It is important to follow one’s own heart, but one must also acknowledge the consequences of his actions.

In many cases, people believe that they were born with certain liberties and should have the independence to decide what they want to do. H.D. Thoreau decided that he wanted to live near a pond in Walden in order to live a more simplistic life and gain the independence he so desired. Since he has removed himself from society, Thoreau finds companionship in the wildlife and nature of Walden and uses them as a way to replace the rest of the world since “the most innocent and encouraging society may be found in any natural object,” (Thoreau, 92). It shows a sign of regret that someone who

has withdrawn himself from the company of his loved ones may have because he no longer has their support to do the right thing. However, not everyone regrets their decision to isolate themselves. Some people wish to live a solitary life and make their own choices because they feel as though they do not want the support that the people around them provide.
In similar instances, our emotions can overthrow our conscience.

Before Chris McCandless had ventured off into the woods, he discovered that his parents had kept a secret and there was more to his family than he thought. He is described as someone that, “seemed like a kid who was looking for something, looking for something, just didn’t know what it was yet.” (Krakauer, 42). People can easily make hasty decisions in a spurt of anger or sorrow which is why Chris did not take into consideration the feelings of the people that cared about him. Even though a person may be dealing with something unfortunate that they might not even understand, it is important that he does not push away the people close to him because they are the ones that will help him move passed his hardships. While personal struggles get in the way of making the right choices, personal gratification can be just as

troublesome.
People also take pride in their reputation and may be too stubborn to even bother listening to what someone has to tell them. Timothy Treadwell refused to accept the counsel given to him by his peers and even government officials because he believed he was doing something important for himself and the bears. A pilot who knew Treadwell believed that “[he] thought these bears were big, scary looking, harmless creatures that he could go up and pet and sing to, and they would bond as children of the universe or some odd. I think he lost sight of what was really going on.” (Herzog). Just as Timothy did whatever he wanted because it made him feel like a better person, a headstrong person has no concern for anyone but himself and does not consider how his actions will affect people that care about him, even if these people know serious danger could befall their loved one if he makes the wrong decision. However, the consequences of our choices have a domino effect on the people around us and they are the ones that are trying to be helpful to someone’s well being.
People have to ultimately choose how they are going to live their life, but it is not harmful to seek counsel from someone that understands them and cares about them. Thoreau, McCandless, and Treadwell all suffered through tribulations that may have been avoided had they listened to their peers. Just because an individual is influenced by others, it does not make him any less unique than someone takes pride in his total self-reliance. It does not take one man to construct a road, just as it should not have to take one man to assemble his path in life.