Comparing Mccandless And Ralph Waldo Emerson

“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better” (Ralph Waldo Emerson). In other words, when Emerson says “experiments,” this can be referred to McCandless as his adventure across the U.S. From meeting many new people, to canoeing in the Colorado River. McCandless went on a crazy, risky trip and it can be compared to the words of Emerson. In Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer, Chris McCandless displays his view on life, just as Ralph Waldo Emerson did, by being self reliant, surrounded by the satisfaction of nature, and to live life like today was the last with no regrets.
To begin, Chris McCandless was insanely stubborn and independent. He always wanted to do what he wanted to no matter what. Furthermore, this leads to one …show more content…
In these two writings, further helped explained his views on life. “A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise, shall give him no peace. It is a deliverance which does not deliver. In the attempt his genius deserts him; no muse befriends; no invention, no hope” (“Self Reliance”). What Emerson means by this, is a man could be happy in his work but if society gets in the way of that and takes it away, his happiness and hope for the good work he’s done drifts away. Basically, don’t let anyone get in the way of your desires or accomplishments because it may affect you negatively. Another way Emerson views life is to try something new when given the chance. “The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried” (Self Reliance”). He states that you don’t know what you can do until you try, so create new experiences for yourself. Secondly, Emerson had the thought that people should appreciate nature while it last. “If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore; and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown!” (“Nature”). He simply thought that if we’re given something so beautiful, to not look over it and think it’ll be here forever. But to respect, cherish and …show more content…
Self reliance, joyful and appreciative towards nature and living your days like today was your last was how McCandless and Emerson perceived life. To them, the whole point in life was simple, don’t let anyone get in your way and take risks. Do what you want and don’t let anyone stop you from doing so. If you do, the chances of you being happy and satisfied is less likely. Basically, enjoy life while you’re still here. Which includes spending time with nature and being somewhat independent throughout life. There is that saying, “If you’re not doing what you love, you’re wasting your