Unfortunate Innocence

“...It means the guy wasn't quite as reckless or incompetent as he has made out to be...McCandless simply had the misfortune to eat moldy seeds. An innocent mistake, it was nevertheless sufficient to end his life.” (Krakauer 194).

Topic: Inspiration or Fool?

Chris McCandless had extreme faith in the world around him. He hitchhiked across America and rarely, if ever, felt scared. He let nature cradle him and his botanical book guide him to his next meal. He lived as though he could escape from any danger because the world proved to be on his side. He was rescued multiple times in Mexico. He was given a new family in South Dakota. He met great people who became extremely fond of him. He was given free gear and rides. He was able to eat wild potatoes without confusing them with sweet peas. He fully believed in the world's kindness. It's almost like a child's innocence. And I'm sure he would have been saved again in Alaska if it weren't for the mold. But he lived an extremely full life and experienced things many people can only dream of. And I believe Chris is an inspiration because he lived out his dreams. Few people have the courage to do that, especially to that extent. 

How Is Your Luck?

“He didn't think the odds applied to him. We were always trying to pull him back from the edge” (Krakauer 109).

Topic: Travel Advice. 

This quote is from Loren Johnson, Chris' grandfather. It explains how Chris had always been notorious for taking risks and believing the odds were in his favor, and for the most part they were. He was able to persevere through extreme conditions and survive with little to no human contact. He had the courage to unapologetically take risks and was rewarded with life-changing experiences. Chris required very little to succeed, and that caused the disillusion that the odds did not apply to him. 
It is dangerous to believe that there is everlasting luck, because when it fades you have to be as prepared as possible to handle any situation. You need to do the best you can to get the odds on your side instead of skate by and hope for the best. Being prepared could potentially make the difference between life and death, as seen with Chris McCandless. Sadly his few mistakes created a snowball effect that had irreversible outcomes. This all connects very well with the saying of "it's better to be safe than sorry." I hope that everyone can take this lesson and apply it to their daily lives. 

Joy is Within Our Surroundings

“You are wrong if you think Joy emanates only or principally from human relationships. God has placed it all around us. It is in everything and anything we might experience. We just have to have the courage to turn against our habitual lifestyle and engage in unconventional living. My point is that you do not need me or anyone else around to bring this new kind of light in your life” (Krakauer 57).

Topic: Traveling and Relationships.

It can be easily assumed that Chris McCandless travels because he wants to outrun his past, but this excerpt expresses his desire to be closer to God and the world around him. He does not feel the need to rely on other people for his joy, he gets it through his experiences and surroundings. But the majority of people nowadays put the key to their own happiness in someone else's pocket and end up depending on that person for their well-being. This causes a lot of expectations to arise and disappointment to follow. McCandless grew up in a moderately wealthy family that was consumed with negativity. He saw the superficiality in his parents' marriage and their happiness and refused to be a part of it. This led McCandless to revert to a simpler lifestyle that appreciated nature and like-minded people. He found that when he prioritized his happiness through unconventional living he had a better quality of life. This is why he urges people to follow in his ways, not because he fears his family or relationships.