Journal 1: While beginning Into the Wild, I thought Chris was crazy. How could he have thought for a second that he could survive the harsh conditions of Alaska, lacking proper equipment and experience? Going more and more in depth I realized the true concept. He didn’t just go out
to prove anything, or to have some great prize given to him. Chris wanted to experience the world. See and learn everything possible about nature. It showed over time that it was one of the only things that sparked his interest. I am jealous of this self-knowledge of what you like and what your true “calling” is. Year after year I find myself lacking the motivation to go and do anything with my life. I’ve tried many different sports and activities, none stayed in my mind for over a couple months. I still don’t know if you’re supposed to be born with a gift and I’m just lacking it, or if you have to work to be good at something. However McCandless clearly proved himself to love the outdoors. He wanted to see
everything, and what’s better than going out yourself? Although, it may not have been the smartest decision I respect him on a very personal level.
Journal 2: My parents divorced when I was in fourth grade. I’m with my dad half the time, and then I go over to my moms and spend the remaining time with her. My dad’s well known with all my friends as the “coolest dad ever”, because he usually lets me do whatever I want. My mom on the other hand is very strict, and controlling. It’s weird being with someone so carefree, then switching back to a high strung
mother. Having a parent who acts more like a friend than a guardian isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, but it sure beats having someone oozing with power. I like to think I don’t abuse my freedom while with my dad, but I am used to being more on my own. I have enough judgment to choose the right choices while with my dad, so why do I need so many rules when I’m with my mom? Chris and I probably have a lot in common with our view on parents, “He had trouble with the whole idea of parents”(115). Chris seemed to respect his parents from what I’ve read, until
they gave him a reason not to. There’s nothing wrong with not loving and respecting a person. Maybe it’s just my teenage ignorance speaking, but I don’t seem to understand the concept of respecting someone only because you have to. I love my parents as a choice, not because they have the title.
Journal 3: McCandless’s goodbye note was truly heart wrenching. It’s nice to know that he was so happy and died where he wanted to be. The thought of death is somewhat mind blowing to me. Every person you’ve ever seen, said hi to, or friend will die eventually. I hope that everyone can die like Chris. One of my best friend’s favorite quote is, “Find what you love and let it kill you.” That’s exactly what he did. I really am scared I won’t die in the pure peace Chris was in. So many people are dying in hospitals, not fully at ease. It sounds painful passing away due to
starvation, but was is that bad for Chris? In the last photo he took, it said he showed complete happiness. I think that seems like a wonderful way to die, vs. being old and in pain for many years. The joyfulness and appreciation shone through on his letter. He stated he had a happy life, and thanked the Lord. Maybe he was just saying this because he knew he didn’t have a chance, but I don’t think so.
to prove anything, or to have some great prize given to him. Chris wanted to experience the world. See and learn everything possible about nature. It showed over time that it was one of the only things that sparked his interest. I am jealous of this self-knowledge of what you like and what your true “calling” is. Year after year I find myself lacking the motivation to go and do anything with my life. I’ve tried many different sports and activities, none stayed in my mind for over a couple months. I still don’t know if you’re supposed to be born with a gift and I’m just lacking it, or if you have to work to be good at something. However McCandless clearly proved himself to love the outdoors. He wanted to see
everything, and what’s better than going out yourself? Although, it may not have been the smartest decision I respect him on a very personal level.
Journal 2: My parents divorced when I was in fourth grade. I’m with my dad half the time, and then I go over to my moms and spend the remaining time with her. My dad’s well known with all my friends as the “coolest dad ever”, because he usually lets me do whatever I want. My mom on the other hand is very strict, and controlling. It’s weird being with someone so carefree, then switching back to a high strung
mother. Having a parent who acts more like a friend than a guardian isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, but it sure beats having someone oozing with power. I like to think I don’t abuse my freedom while with my dad, but I am used to being more on my own. I have enough judgment to choose the right choices while with my dad, so why do I need so many rules when I’m with my mom? Chris and I probably have a lot in common with our view on parents, “He had trouble with the whole idea of parents”(115). Chris seemed to respect his parents from what I’ve read, until
they gave him a reason not to. There’s nothing wrong with not loving and respecting a person. Maybe it’s just my teenage ignorance speaking, but I don’t seem to understand the concept of respecting someone only because you have to. I love my parents as a choice, not because they have the title.
Journal 3: McCandless’s goodbye note was truly heart wrenching. It’s nice to know that he was so happy and died where he wanted to be. The thought of death is somewhat mind blowing to me. Every person you’ve ever seen, said hi to, or friend will die eventually. I hope that everyone can die like Chris. One of my best friend’s favorite quote is, “Find what you love and let it kill you.” That’s exactly what he did. I really am scared I won’t die in the pure peace Chris was in. So many people are dying in hospitals, not fully at ease. It sounds painful passing away due to
starvation, but was is that bad for Chris? In the last photo he took, it said he showed complete happiness. I think that seems like a wonderful way to die, vs. being old and in pain for many years. The joyfulness and appreciation shone through on his letter. He stated he had a happy life, and thanked the Lord. Maybe he was just saying this because he knew he didn’t have a chance, but I don’t think so.