Chris Mccandless: Justifying The Journey into The Wild

Few stories have sparked as much intrigue and debate as that of Chris McCandless. Jon Krakauer's "Into the Wild" made McCandless famous. In 1992, he ditched society's comforts to find a more genuine life in the wilds of Alaska. Sadly, he died just a few months into his adventure. His story has people talking about whether his choices were wise or moral. This essay dives into the reasons behind McCandless’s decision to leave his old life and head into the unknown. I argue his actions, while out there, make sense if we look at personal freedom, a real critique of society, and a deep love for nature.

Personal Freedom

To get why McCandless did what he did, we need to think about personal freedom. These days, society seems to care a lot about money and fitting in. McCandless, though, chose to leave behind his good education and future job prospects. He saw success not as following the usual path—school, job, wealth—but as living by his own rules. By turning his back on what others saw as success, McCandless was making a statement about living freely. He chose his values over what society expected. This was his way of saying he wanted to live life his own way, showing his belief in freedom and making his own choices.

Critique of Society and Search for Real Life

McCandless’s trip wasn’t just about looking for adventure. It was his way of saying society was broken and fake. He read books by Thoreau, London, and Tolstoy, and these authors made him dislike the greed and lack of spirit he saw in modern life. He thought money, status, and stuff were like chains keeping people from really living. By going into the wild, he was making a big statement. He wanted a real life, free from society's lies. His time in Alaska’s tough wilderness was his way of finding something real and deep, way beyond the fake stuff he saw in everyday life.

Love for Nature

A big reason for McCandless’s journey was his deep bond with nature. Today, people often see nature as something to use. McCandless saw it as a source of truth and beauty, key to understanding life. His trip wasn’t just a physical thing; it was a spiritual quest to reconnect with the natural world and himself. He wasn’t running away; he was looking for truth, understanding, and peace. The tough times he faced in the wild were part of this journey. They were steps on his path to finding meaning, which is why his actions make sense when you think about his search for something deeper than what society offers.

Chris McCandless’s story makes us question what we value and believe. Even though his choices were controversial, they make sense if you think about his search for freedom, realness, and a deep connection with nature. McCandless stands for individualism, reminding us that living true to ourselves is important, even if society doesn’t get it. His journey was a bold move for self-determination and finding meaning, hitting at the heart of the human experience. So, even though his story ends in tragedy, the ideals and questions he leaves behind push us to reflect on our own values and choices. It makes a strong case for why his actions were justified.