Decision Making Into the Wild Imagine a yearning for freedom, where the call of the wild beckons and the pursuit of truth prevails over societal norms. The enigma of Christopher McCandless’ intellect reflects the complexities of an evolving brain. His rich knowledge and raw, untamed decision-making of his youth is a true statement of the paradox of growth. Despite Christopher McCandles’ level of intelligence and college education, his risky decisions point to the ongoing development of his young adult brain. The adolescent brain undergoes a remarkable change that shapes the behavior during a critical period of development that can often lead to increased risk-taking and impulsive behavior. The frontal cortex of the brain, which governs decision …show more content…
Without a safety net, he had to rely on his own survival skills in the wilderness. Incomplete planning and inadequate supplies McCandless’ brought with him on his journey to Alaska highlights his naiveness and impulsiveness. McCandless had decided to not attempt to cross the Teklanika River, however there was a basket he could have used to cross that was just down the river, but“Because he had no topographic map, however he had no way conceiving that salvation was so close at hand” (Krakauer 174). McCandless also had abandoned his car without thinking of the possibilities that he might need it for travel and health safety (Krakauer 29). McCandless was overpowered by the scale of the landscape and suffered heat strokes from extreme temperatures in July (Krakauer 29). McCandless’ rejection of help and refusal to follow and understand warnings in his surroundings demonstrated a sense of disregard for personal safety. Christopher was interrogated, warned to stay off the train and held at gunpoint after being found by a bull on the train, but then “caught the same train 5 minutes later and rode it all the way to Oakland” (Krakeaur 53). McCandless’ goodbye message “I have had a happy life and thank the …show more content…
By choosing to venture into the wild on his own demonstrated that he was willing to prioritize and take the risk for his quest for authenticity over his own well-being. The reliance on wild plants without proper identification or understanding of potential dangers highlights a lack of informed decision-making. McCandles was in such dire circumstances that he had begun to rely on the vegetation of the land around him. He had “grown hungry enough to eat the seeds, which poisoned him” (Krakauer 190). McCandless could have possibly saved himself if he had kept on reading where the book he was reading Tanaina Plantlore described a similar wild sweet pea seed that reported “to be poisonous, care should be taken to identify them accurately before attempting to use the wild potato as food” (Krakauer 191). He ate pounds of seeds without considering the potential dangers of what he was consuming. Christopher McCandless’ perilous choices serve as a poignant testament to the complex maturation process of the young adult brain. His decisions were not the result of just a whimsical adventure seeking, but a pursuit of meaning and purpose. Even the brightest minds continue to navigate the path to