Nature Reading- Final Essay

Do you feel, as one letter writer did, that there is “nothing positive at all about Chris McCandless’ lifestyle or wilderness doctrine …surviving a near death experience does not make you a better human it makes you damn lucky” (116); or do you see something admirable or noble in his struggles and adventures?

Into The Wild’s Chris McCandless’ near death experiences are debated by many to “not make you a better human”, only “damn lucky.” I see his experiences and actions admirable and noble. I do not see McCandless’ lifestyle in the wild as a negative experience because he enjoyed his adventures, he inspired others and he followed his calling to live off the land.

Prior to his departure, Chris McCandless was unsatisfied with his life. Issues with his family left him almost confused about what he was left to make of himself. Attending an expensive university did not satisfy his hunger for adventure and independence. He drove his to Lake Mead in his Datsun which he loved with all of his heart, and camped there for a few days before setting off to resume on foot. “But this is not important. It is the experiences, the memories, the great triumphant joy of living to the fullest extent in which real meaning is found…”Page 37(chapter 4)This quote supports my position best. Chris McCandless wanted the most out of life. Disappointed by the confined rules, laws and structures of human life, he simply “dismembered” himself from it. “Two years he walks the earth…No longer to be poisoned by civilization he flees, and walks alone upon the land to become lost in the wild.”Page 163(chapter16.) His journeys left him free, a man in the wild. Traveling through different conditions and uncharted lands, he died happy and at peace with everything he had done. Chris McCandless changed his name to something a little more fitting to his personality. He escaped his past and became Alex Supertramp. Many of the people he encountered would come to know him of this.

Chris McCandless left a major impression on several of the people he met along the way of his journey. Wayne Westerberg ran the Carthage grain elevator where Chris worked on and off for periods of time. There, he met Gail Borah, a “petite, sad eyed woman,” who became close with Chris over time. “He was shy at first.” Everyone grew to love him. Mrs. Westerberg was especially intrigued by Alex. “There was something fascinating about him…I can’t get him out of my mind. I keep picturing his face-he sat in the same chair you’re sitting in now. Considering that I only spent a few hours in Alex’s company, it amazes me how much I’m bothered by his death.” No matter how much time Alex spent with someone, he always seemed to rub off something onto them, leaving them with something they never would have known had he not of marched into the wild. Ronald Franz was an older man who considered Alex a son. He lived out in Salton City at the Oh-My-God-Hot Springs, where he sheltered himself from everyone. He was a devout Christian who had freed himself from his addiction to alcohol. Alex left Ron a piece of advice. “Ron, you must lose your inclination for monotonous security and adopt a helter-skelter style of life that will at first appear to you to be crazy. But once you become accustomed to such a life you will see its full meaning and its incredible beauty. And so, Ron, in short, get out of Salton City and Hit the Road.” Page 57 (chapter 6) This advice stood out to me more than any other quote in the book. The reason is it is so directed towards Alex’s want for his well being and happiness. He realized that happiness is not an object but an experience that can only come from faith and trust. Ron took his advice and no longer lives at the Oh My God Hot Springs. He sought out for a better life, traveling to various locations, seeking happiness.

He did it. Alex McCandless put his thoughts into actions when he made the decision to free himself of a materialistic lifestyle. Most people talk about it, wishing they had the power and courage to be free from responsibility and a routine life. “So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future.”Page 57 (chapter 6.) Alex saw this lifestyle and personal situation, and freed himself from becoming the unhappy person he talks about in his letter to Ronald Franz. I believe this is a brave and admirable action that everyone who reads this book considers doing themselves. If not, then they did not understand his message.“He had given $25,000 in savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself.”

In conclusion, Chris (Alex) McCandless died a happy man, full of joy for the chance to live the life he lived. He enjoyed his adventures, he inspired others and he followed his calling to live off the land. Living through his experiences was not "damn lucky," but faithful actions to live life to it's fullest.