In the end, he accomplished his desires but paid the ultimate price. While he was eager to ¨find himself,¨ his decision to leave home in a vulnerable state, some would argue, was also largely based on revelations about his family; more specifically, his fathers marital indiscretions which had a deep impact on Chris. In some way, this expedition was a chance not only for McCandless to explore who he was, but also offered a break from his skewered home life and conflicted relationship with his father. Rather than living unhappily and regretfully, he decided to venture off, exploring numerous cities and experiencing a life he had never known. In his journal, he reveals that, ¨ The core of a mans’ spirit comes from new experiences...Don’t hesitate or allow yourself to make excuses. Just get out and do it. Just get out and do it. You will be very, very glad that you did¨ (Krakauer 40-41). What McCandless expresses is a reflection of his adventurous, and often times, philosophical approach to life. Unlike many individuals who will simply live in unhappy or …show more content…
He was faced with a situation that he did not really understand, however, and made decisions based on assumptions rather than facts. McCandless reveals that, ¨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¨ (Krakauer 40), although many may say he was insane for leaving his parents and wealthy lifestyle, this was best for him. In the end he died, but at least he died happy, living amongst nature, living on his own terms. Venturing off into the wilderness and experiencing a world few people ever see, was a choice he made; in part because of his desire to exist in his own way as well as because of personal challenges at home. In all honesty, McCandless was entitled to his decisions and dealt with his circumstances in a way he felt he needed to. Although he left his family so abruptly and without a word, in the end, it was his choice. Perhaps if he were to tell his family of his plans, they would have attempted to persuade him to stay or maybe he would have felt guilty for leaving? McCandless craved social isolation and was an independent, free-spirited individual who decided he didn’t want to live unhappily. Unlike most people he took fate into his own hands and changed what he didn’t like. Everyone not