Into the Wild

Summary

Christopher McCandless' journey into the Alaskan wilderness, as depicted in Jon Krakauer's "Into the Wild," reflects a quest for personal enlightenment and a rejection of societal norms.

Abstract

Christopher McCandless, after graduating from Emory University, renounced societal expectations by giving away his savings and embarking on a journey across America, culminating in his solitary sojourn in Alaska. His story, popularized by Krakauer's article and book, as well as a subsequent film, highlights McCandless' struggle with societal pressures to conform to a conventional path of success. McCandless' extreme actions, including cutting off communication with his family, sparked controversy but also resonated with many who feel the disconnect between societal demands and personal fulfillment. His tragic death from poisoned berries serves as a poignant reminder to reflect on life's priorities and the importance of personal values over societal expectations.

Opinions

McCandless' actions were seen as both justifiable and selfish, reflecting a divide in how individuals perceive the pursuit of personal truth versus familial obligations.
The narrative suggests that societal norms, such as higher education, career success, and material wealth, do not guarantee happiness or align with everyone's values.
Nature is presented as a sanctuary from societal judgment and expectations, offering a space for introspection and peace.
McCandless' story is a call to examine one's own life, questioning the necessity of tasks and goals that society deems important, and to prioritize personal desires and well-being.
The text encourages readers to consider the importance of personal experiences, such as spending time in nature, nurturing relationships, and pursuing passions, over societal pressures.

Into the Wild

Breaking the chains of society and discovering your own path.

Photo by Gaurav K on Unsplash

“There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society, where none intrudes, By the deep Sea, and music in its roar: I love not Man the less, but Nature more, From these our interviews, in which I steal From all I may be, or have been before, To mingle with the Universe, and feel What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal.” ― Lord Byron, Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage

In May 1990, Christopher Johnson McCandless graduated with high grades from Emory University, ceased communicating with his family, gave away his college fund of $24,500 to Oxfam, and began traveling across the Western United States finally reaching Alaska.

He died in August 1992.

McCandless’ story was shared by Jon Krakauer in an article he wrote for Outside Magazine called “Death of an Innocent”. He later wrote the best selling book called Into the Wild. A film followed years later of the same name.

Into the Wild is about Christopher’s struggle with being accepted into society. His parents were very successful according to societal norms (education and work) but they struggled in their personal affairs. They assumed and expected Christopher to follow a societally acceptable path of achievement: attend a great school, get a good job, make a lot of money, have a family. Like most people, Christopher didn’t align with these demands. Unlike most he decided to leave it all behind him to seek his own enlightenment. He knew he wouldn’t be happy sitting behind a desk, receiving a big paycheck and working to own a big house.

There was controversy with his actions as while cutting off communication with his parents may have been justifiable, he quit communicating with his sister. She seemed to understand, however, that he was on his own journey of discovery and he needed to be away from the hypocrisy of the world. And some felt he was selfish in his actions.

While his approach was more extreme than most, his intentions were aligned with the majority. We all feel disconnected from this world at times. We lose who we are as we concern ourselves more with how others will perceive us rather than looking inside ourselves to what we truly want in life. But when the world is telling us to go to college, get an important job, marry, have kids, and have a big house, this doesn’t always align with our values and needs. At some point we all encounter this conflict. Some act on it by starting a new career, moving to a new part of the world, or pursuing a lifelong interest.

Perhaps this is why we so often feel drawn to nature. Nature calls to us to return to who we are. We feel at peace walking through the woods or sitting by a lazy river. A tree will never judge us or tell us what to do. A tree will only ever listen and give us shade. Christopher sought this peace in the wilderness. He was happy but he came to a tragic end when he inadvertently ate poisoned berries.

It is tragic to consider Christopher’s death. He was a beautiful soul wanting goodness for the world. He was lost in this world like many of us. Finding his truth brought him a premature passing.

Yet in his tragedy he left us a gift to remind us of what is important in life. We don’t need to drop everything, give away all of our money, abandon our family and move to Alaska. But maybe this is a good time to look at the list of things you are supposed to do today and ask yourself, “Do I need to do this? Why is this even on my list?” Do you have to add another book to read to your already lengthy list? Do you have to meet with that person that doesn’t fill your cup? Do you need to buy new shoes? Is a new car necessary? Does your kid really need to go to Harvard?

More importantly, what is missing from the list? What do you really want to achieve in your days? Are you going to take a walk in the woods? Will you call your parents? Hug your child? Kiss your partner? Take a weekend break alone? Try freediving? Pottery? Why do these things not make our list?

So today, or maybe tomorrow, talk a walk into the wild. Make a commitment, big or small.

It’s your life, no one else’s.

Have a beautiful day.