Christopher Mccandless: a Journey of Self-discovery

Christopher McCandless, the guy Jon Krakauer wrote about in his 1996 book "Into the Wild," has become this big icon of youthful dreams and searching for what's real. His story's super gripping, but it also splits opinions. Some see him as a hero; others think he was just lost. This essay argues that McCandless shows some real heroic traits. He had the guts to chase a meaningful life, stuck to his personal beliefs, and his story left a big mark on people. By looking at why he did what he did, what he actually did, and what his journey means on a larger scale, we can get a better picture of his heroism.

Christopher McCandless: A Heroic Journey of Self-Discovery

A big part of being a hero is having the guts to follow your beliefs, even when it's risky. McCandless showed this when he ditched a normal life to find himself. After finishing college at Emory in 1990, he gave away his savings, cut off his family, and started what he called his "Alaskan Odyssey." Leaving behind all the comforts and what society expects shows his deep commitment to living true to himself. In a world where everyone pushes you to fit in, McCandless's choice to face uncertainty and tough times to find deeper meaning is pretty heroic, don't you think?

Plus, McCandless stuck to his personal beliefs like glue, which really solidifies him as a hero. Inspired by Thoreau, Tolstoy, and London, he wanted a simple, self-reliant life close to nature. His trip wasn't just some wild adventure; it was a thoughtful quest to push human limits and find meaning outside modern life's clutter. His journals and letters show a guy wrestling with big life questions and trying to live by his philosophical ideas. This kind of deep thinking and moral commitment makes him more than just a thrill-seeker. It makes him someone really digging into life's big questions.

Also, McCandless's story has touched a lot of people, which adds to his heroic status. Thanks to Krakauer's book and the movie that came later, McCandless's journey has made many folks think about their own lives and values. His story has sparked talks about following your dreams, the call of the wild, and the risks of idealism. Sure, some critics say he was reckless and his actions led to his early death. But others see his life as a powerful reminder of the human drive for freedom and meaning. The fact that people are still fascinated by his story and have so many different takes on it shows just how deeply he's impacted our collective minds.

Conclusion

So yeah, in the end, Christopher McCandless can be seen as a hero because he bravely went after a life true to his beliefs, showed deep intellectual and moral strength, and left a lasting impact on others. Even though his journey had a tragic ending, McCandless's quest for authenticity and meaning still resonates today. His life is like this strong reminder of how complex heroism is and how much we all want to find truth and purpose. By digging into his reasons and what his actions mean on a bigger scale, we can really appreciate the nuanced heroism that marks his legacy.

References

• Krakauer, J. (1996). Into the Wild. New York: Villard.
• Masoner-Langford, C., & Langford Jr., B.T., (2011). "Back To The Wild". Fairbanks: University of Alaska Press.
• Sullivan C., (2007) “Lost in 'The Wild': Unraveling an Icon” Journal of American Culture.
• Pettit D., (2009) “Ideals vs Reality: Analyzing Christopher’s Journeys” American Literature Today.
• Smith J.P., (2015) "McCandless Mythos: Fact or Fiction?" Wilderness Studies Review.