In the book, “Into the Wild,” Chris McCandless fulfills his dream/passion by taking a long journey around the United States, to Mexico, and up to Canada. He lived his life on his own terms, and used only the material things he deemed necessary. Once he died, because lack of necessary materials, people in Alaska and all through the country called his adventure and decisions immature and ignorant. I beg to differ. Through Chris McCandless’ struggles and adventures, I see something admirable or noble, because it is always good to pursue your dreams and, in doing so, brought peace to himself, and made a positive impact on the people he encountered along the way.
Most peoples’ dreams are big outlandish wishes that they want to come true. But they never go after it, or, if they do, they get side tracked by life and it stays a dream. A dream is like a life goal. It gives you something to look forward to. Chris McCandless dreamed of having an adventure, “he was looking for more of an adventure and freedom than today’s society gives,” (pg 174) living in the wild, with no society, no economy, and no governmental pressures on him. So he took a trip to Alaska (with no phone, no car, and no money). He fulfilled his dreams and despite the challenges of finding food, crossing unknown waters, and staying warm, he “found what he needed for happiness… rest, nature, books. Music, love for one’s neighbor.” Following a dream helps people know what makes them happy.
His long journey to fulfill his dream also led him to understand himself better and become at peace with the things that he allowed to trouble him. Towards the end of his journey, he finally understood what he wanted out of life, “a mate, and children…” Chris, a once talented young man, seemed like he thought he could accomplish anything and everything his way without help. He saw no boundaries. His trip around the country, and long journey to fulfilling his dreams, presented his abilities, strengths and weaknesses. Gallien offered to give him decent gear to survive his trip, and Alex stated he wouldn’t run into anything he couldn’t deal with. After having trouble finding food, he realized hunting wasn’t one of his many talents. Chris survived without many of the numerous things most people would call necessary; a decent roof, clean clothes, other people. Prior to starting on his dream, he got the truth about his parents marriage, and vowed to never see them again. He held that anger, confusion, and emotion with him throughout his journey. In the end, Chris finally came to peace with his parents “imperfections… and was ready to go home”.
While he followed his passion, and found peace for himself, he also impacted the lives of the people he met along the way. He only knew them for a short time, and yet they still had a big place in their heart for Chris McCandless. Wayne Westerberg was one of the people Chris impacted. Westerberg remembers Chris as “extremely ethical” and intelligent. Jan Burres, another friend met along the way, was one of the few people he kept in contact with and let know about his whereabouts. The person he had the biggest impact on was Ronald Franz. Ron Franz was a man that lived most of his life in one small town, driving around the state occasionally for his job. But after he spent time with Chris, he was convinced that a nomad life would do him good; no tax, no rules, and a new free living. He even offered to adopt Chris as his own son.
Chris followed his dreams, with an emotional heart, and a dedicated spirit. He found peace with himself and made an impact on those he barely knew. And through all the struggles, and his adventure, I see him as noble or admirable.
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