Society’s Creation Transcendentalism is a philosophical movement that protests culture and society. Toward the end of Chris McCandless’s life he started to show many signs of a transcendentalist. Unlike Thoreau Chris was not in it for his love of nature, but to free himself from a corrupt world and a bitter society. "So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future." (Krakauer p. 57) McCandless and Thoreau both idealized the American wilderness and shared the same thought that living a less materialistic lifestyle would positively affect ones being. "Tramping is too easy with all this money. My days were more exciting when I was penniless and had to forage around for my next meal." (Krakauer p. 33) Although these two shared similar relationships towards nature they lacked connection with the purpose they sought for. The leaving for Chris was an escape route, a disappearance from an illusion that slowly took over his world, but mostly it was a spiritual and mental cleanse due to his disturbed mind. Chris was very inspired by Thoreau’s writing which may have triggered a powerful part in his brain that gradually made him become obsessed with the idea of fleeing from California and heading up to …show more content…
He was a confused soul that had been lost for many years luckily on his journey Chris had found independence, and self-reliance he was able to create a new life for himself even if it was towards the end of the line, that life was filled with meaning, purpose, and, “the raw throb of existence” (Krakauer