Christopher Mccandless - a Real-life Transcendentalist

Introduction

Society expects us to conform to its norms, yet some individuals choose a different path. Chris McCandless, whose full name was Christopher Johnson McCandless, also known by the pseudonym Alex Supertramp, was one such individual. Born on February 12, 1968, in El Segundo, California, McCandless was found dead on September 6, 1992, on the Stampede Trail in Alaska. He embarked on a journey to survive in the wild, seeking freedom from societal constraints. During his adventure, McCandless encountered several people who genuinely wanted to help and become close to him. However, he was so committed to his Alaskan Odyssey that he viewed human connections as distractions rather than necessities. What is transcendentalism? Transcendentalism is both a philosophy and a way of life, emphasizing non-conformity, unity with nature, and rejection of materialism. Chris McCandless exemplifies transcendentalism because he sought nothing but happiness in the wilderness.

Chris McCandless - A Real-life Transcendentalist

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist." Chris McCandless defied societal norms, living outside conventional boundaries, and remained indifferent to societal expectations. He traveled to Alaska and various other places, burning and abandoning his money, a clear act of non-conformity. By doing so, he demonstrated that he did not want to conform to societal norms and considered money to be useless. In contrast, conforming would involve using money, taking a job, or driving a car. These actions signify his refusal to be materialistic or bound by societal standards, choosing instead to forge his own path.

Another pertinent piece of evidence is Henry David Thoreau's quote: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” This quote emphasizes the notion that one can learn from nature, which aids in living a purposeful life. Many transcendentalists resonate with this idea. Chris McCandless related to this philosophy, venturing into nature to truly live and learn. This is another reason why many consider Chris McCandless a transcendentalist. His journey was not just a physical one, but a quest for deeper understanding and spiritual fulfillment.

Self-Reliance and Independence

Finally, my last point of evidence relates to the concept of self-reliance. Chris McCandless largely embraced this idea by choosing a vastly different path, one that involved living in the woods for some time. In American society, teenagers typically transition to adulthood by finishing high school, starting college, and then embarking on a career. However, Chris McCandless defied these expectations, although his journey ultimately ended in death. Despite the tragic outcome, McCandless's determination to rely on himself and work for what he needed to survive in the wild highlights his self-reliance. He worked tirelessly to stay alive and survive in the wilderness, a testament to his independence and resilience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chris McCandless's life and actions demonstrate that he was a true transcendentalist. His story is intriguing and inspirational, showcasing the courage it takes to journey into the Alaskan wilderness alone. Yet, one can only imagine the anguish his parents experienced, worrying about his well-being. The story of McCandless connects to the real world by illustrating that transcendentalism is a significant aspect of our society and lives, often unnoticed. Ultimately, this essay reinforces the thesis that Chris McCandless exemplified transcendentalist ideals.

References

1. Emerson, R. W. (1841). Self-Reliance.
2. Thoreau, H. D. (1854). Walden.
3. Krakauer, J. (1996). Into the Wild. Anchor Books.
4. Emerson, R. W. (1983). The Collected Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Harvard University Press.
5. Thoreau, H. D. (1971). The Portable Thoreau. Viking Press.