Chris Mccandless Transcendentalism Essay

554 Words3 Pages

“Nature’s first green is gold, her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; but only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, so dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay” Robert Frost. The words of many authors, poets, and songwriters can influence certain aspects of a person’s life. One may simply admire the work because of the inspiration or beauty behind the piece, but others take the words to heart and live their lives by it. A fan of many transcendentalism authors Chris McCandless wanted to live his life with the same simplicity they did. After finding the inspiration in the works of Jack London and Henry David Thoreau McCandless ventured out into a two-year-long journey to find happiness in the Alaskan Wilderness. McCandless had the bravery to follow his own dream and was willing to risk his life for true happiness. McCandless is admirable because of his generosity, positivity, and courage to follow his own dream. …show more content…

He saw every day as an opportunity to make a new friend, start a new adventure, or make someone smile. During the weeks McCandless was isolated from the rest of society he wrote in his journal an optimistic outlook on his journey. He acknowledged his shortcomings and every success during his adventure. When times got harder and he was struggling to try to find food, another ride, or a way to protect himself from the elements McCandless would write about how he knew something bigger and better was soon to happen. McCandless was also able to share his positivity with many people he met during his journey. McCandless formed close relationships with Ronald Franz, Jan and Bob Burres, and Wayne Westerberg. McCandless was able to help each individual person find a new joy in their life and even figure out what a true happiness in their life is. McCandless’ was able to look to the bright side in life and was able to chase his dreams doing