Into The Wild Transcendentalism Quotes

"Into the Wild": Exploring Transcendentalist Themes

Jon Krakauer's book "Into the Wild" is quite an engaging read, isn’t it? It dives deep into the life and untimely demise of Christopher McCandless, a guy who decided to give up on society's norms and venture into Alaska's wilderness. The author really gives us a lot to think about. Throughout the narrative, Krakauer uses quotes from transcendentalists like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. These dudes were all about living authentically, just like McCandless wanted. Their words help us see what drove Chris, highlighting big themes like self-reliance and not following the crowd.

So let's break down these transcendentalist quotes a bit more. How do they shape our understanding of Chris’s adventure? And how do they fit into a bigger conversation about humanity and our bond with nature? By looking closely at these quotes, we can figure out how this philosophy influenced Chris's actions and gave us a peek into his complex personality.

The Influence of Transcendentalist Quotes

Krakauer cleverly uses these transcendentalist ideas to draw lines between McCandless’s beliefs and those of thinkers from way back in the 19th century who inspired him. One standout quote is Emerson’s saying, “to be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Doesn't that hit home for Chris? He struggled against what society expected and tried to find his own path.

By tossing away material stuff and even family connections, he was all about being self-reliant like Emerson preached. This quote not only shows why McCandless did what he did but also makes us ponder our own battles with identity in a world that often demands conformity. And then there's Thoreau’s famous line from "Walden," about wanting to "live deep"—Chris really took that to heart too! He wasn't interested in living on the surface; he wanted every bit of life's marrow. These quotes really make us reflect on timeless themes—don't they?

Wrapping It Up: Why It All Matters

In wrapping this up, Krakauer’s use of these old-school quotes shines a light on how similar McCandless was to guys like Emerson and Thoreau. Through their words, we get why Chris fought so hard for authenticity, despite societal pressures pushing back at him. They deepen our understanding of who he was but also nudge us into reflecting on our own ties with identity, conformity, and nature itself.

By weaving in transcendentalism with Chris’s story, Krakauer invites readers like us to ponder over themes that still ring true today. Maybe further research could dig into how these ideas show up in other books or how they pop up in today’s movements for environmental conservation or social justice.

"Into the Wild" keeps reminding us of how relevant those transcendentalist thoughts are—they push people towards seeking truth and authenticity in their lives even now.

References

• Krakauer, J. (1996). Into the wild. Villard.
• Packer, B. (2007). Embracing Nonconformity: Nature as Sacred Space in American Transcendentalism. Journal of Ecocriticism.
• Thoreau, H.D., & Shanley, J.L. (Ed.). (2004). Walden: A Fully Annotated Edition. Yale University Press.
• Emerson, R.W., & Atkinson, B.E. (Ed.). (1990). The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Modern Library.
• Cafaro, P.J., & Primack R.B., (2006). The Virtues of Ignoring Society: Transcendental Ethics Beyond Environmental Conservation Policy Perspectives Series).