div>The book, Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer, to me was a great example of an author who had experienced similar things to the person being written about. The book was written to inform everyone that Chris is not a idiot, lunatic, or schizophrenia, but a person who did something that he desired to do, no matter what the consequences. Most people will not risk their lives to do what they desire, but Chris did not want to act like an ordinary person. I thought Krakauer had the right impression of Chris because he experienced similar things and he sees him with different eyes compared to the many critics who dislike him and do not acknowledge him. The subject matter was very interesting, even tough I usually tend to not read non-fiction books. Although, I would have really enjoyed the book if he put more information about Chris' travels, but he probably had only so much information he could work with. I do recommend reading this book, because Krakaur's use of words really brings the book together. The overall life of Chris McCandless or "Alex Supertramp" is so interesting by itself, reading it is a must! The downside is that the book does not go in the right time order, so it may be hard to follow. Do not fret! This book will make sense sooner or later (maybe a lot later). The book tells us that life is about pursuit of independent happiness, but not in the materialistic way. Chris is trying to reach the point in which nothing can satisfy him more knowing he achieved happiness on his own. Quotes from Krakauer and Chris McCandless confirms the theme. A quote from the journal of Chris McCandless, “I have lived through much, and I think I have found what is needed for happiness”. In this quote, Chris is telling us that he has achieved the point in his life in which he is satisfied by going into the wild. To me, it seems that this idea of starting a new life was based on achieving his idea of happiness.
At first, you would think Chris was a unintelligent kid who read too many novels by Jack London, but as you look into his past, he is like a normal young man you would see o a daily basis. But there is one difference, that he would go outside the "normal" and "ordinary" lifestyle to achieve what Chris would call "true happiness". He was a pretty normal child. He did numerous sports, played a musical instrument, and really loved running. The intriguing thing I learned about him was that he hated to listen to instruction or go the extra "ten- percent". He was so great at these things, but he would refuse to listen, even if it was going to help him. As a person, Chris' mind was not ordinary because he thought in ways most people couldn't even comprehend. He was not "nuts" or did not have mental disorders; he just had a different mindset in life. I would actually prefer to talk to him more than an ordinary person. Even Wayne Westerberg's mother, who disliked most of his hired help, adored and enjoyed Chris's presence. She stated that "Unlike most of us,he was the sort of person who insisted on living out his beliefs." and she also talked about how he acted older than twenty, how much he loved books, and how much he liked to ask questions. I disagree and agree with the negative critics of Chris McCandless because, he was unprepared for the harshness of Alaska and did underestimate the land, but he was no lunatic and did not have any mental disorders. These critics, most of which are actually from Alaska, have heard so many stories about young men going into the wilderness and dying. They most likely are tired of hearing these stories and always believe that they are idiots and should not be praised. I believe these critics need to look at his past and personality before making harsh and mean judgments. Chris is a different case than other people who died while traveling in Alaska's wilderness because he was trying to find true happiness which was not at his home. He was not trying to discover, research or study the wilderness. To him, the wilderness was freedom and satisfaction. I think Chris was an amazing person and should be praised rather than criticized in a negative way. We all can learn from him that we all need to find our true happiness and go above and beyond in our lives.
"Happiness is best when shared with everyone"
Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.
"Long live the Supertramp."
