A Reflection on "Into the Wild"
Recently, a friend recommended the movie Into the Wild, and after watching it, I found it absolutely fascinating!
The movie is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandoned his secure life and possessions to seek solitude in the wild forests of Alaska.
Before watching the movie, I told my friend that I thought it was a crazy idea (I couldn’t understand why anyone would leave a secure life in society to live alone in the wild). Nevertheless, I agreed to watch it; and it turned out to be a beautiful experience.
I still believe it's incredibly brave but reckless to do what Chris did. However, the insights he gained from his journey, the experiences, and the conversations he had with people along the way, which were later used in the making of the movie, resonated deeply with me. They touched on many truths I believe about finding meaning and happiness.
Here are some key moments from the movie that stood out to me:
Chris’s Conversation with Wayne
Chris: "I'll be all the way out there... all the way. No watch, no map, no axe, no nothing. Just be out there in it. In the wild."
Wayne: "Now you're in the wild, what are we doing?"
Chris: "You're just living, man. You're just there, in that moment, in that special place and time. Maybe when I'm back, I'll write a book about getting out of this sick society. It doesn't make sense to me; the judgment, the control, the whole spectrum."
I found this conversation quite interesting because it gave me a glimpse into what drove Chris on his quest. He got sick of society at that point and wanted to find real answers about himself and his existence.
Although I feel his decision was extreme to go like that into the wild, I do think the need to take a break from the constant hustle to reflect, and find time for solitude is important for everyone.
Chris Reading Tolstoy’s Family Happiness
Chris: "I have lived through much, and now I think I have found what is needed for happiness. A quiet secluded life in the country, with the possibility of being useful to people to whom it is easy to do good, and who are not accustomed to having it done to them. And work which one hopes may be of some use. Then rest, nature, books, music, love for one's neighbor... such is my idea of happiness. And then, on top of all that, you for a mate, and children perhaps. What more can the heart of a man desire?"
This passage struck me, especially as I hadn’t read Tolstoy’s Family Happiness before. While I don’t fully agree with the “secluded” part (I think there’s security in functioning well within a community) I do appreciate the essence of this idea. It’s important to balance solitude and connection. One can lead a quiet, meaningful life and be part of society without necessarily being isolated.
Encounter with Ron Franz (My Favorite Part)
Ron: "You strike me as a bright young man. Am I right about that?"
Chris: "I think I’ve got my head on my shoulders pretty good."
Ron: "That’s what I mean. How long have you been out here?"
Chris: "23 years old."
Ron: "Son, don’t you think you ought to be getting an education and a job, making something of this life?"
Chris: "You don’t need to worry about me. I’m living like this by choice."
Ron: "In the dirt?"
Chris: "Yeah, in the dirt."
I loved this exchange because it highlighted Chris's awareness of his choices. He was living in what Ron called "the dirt," but it was Chris’s choice. While I’m still undecided on whether it was the right choice, he owned it; and that self-awareness, that peace with his decision, intrigued me.
Ron's Personal Story
Ron also shared his own story with Chris about losing his family, which was heartbreaking. After his wife and son died, he buried himself in his workshop, focusing on leather engraving.
At one point, while climbing a hill, Ron asked Chris:
Ron: "Son, what the hell are you running from?"
Chris: "You know, I could ask you the same question. Except I already know the answer."
Ron: "Oh, you do?"
Chris: "I do, Mr. Franz. You’ve got to get back out in the world, get out of that lonely house, that little workshop of yours. Get back on the road. Really! You’re going to live a long time, Ron. You should make a radical change in your lifestyle. The core of a man’s spirit comes from new experiences, and there you are, a stubborn old man, sitting on your butt."
This conversation lit a spark in Ron, and he decided to climb the hill, saying:
Ron: "Sitting on my butt? Ha! I’ll show you sitting on my butt!"
When they reached the top, they had another touching conversation.
Ron: "I’m going to miss you when you go."
Chris: "I’ll miss you too, Ron. But you’re wrong if you think that the joy of life comes principally from human relationships. God’s placed it all around us. It’s in everything. It’s in anything we can experience. People just need to change the way they look at those things."
This was a powerful moment for me. Chris's perspective resonated, as many people place their happiness solely in others. While relationships are important, they are only one component of happiness, not the sole source.
Ron’s Final Words
Ron also shared something profound:
Ron: "But I wanted to tell you something. There’s something bigger we can all appreciate, and it sounds like you don’t mind calling it God. When you forgive, you love. And when you love, God’s light shines on you."
As the sun rose during this scene, it was a beautiful moment.
The Wild Sweet Pea Incident
When Chris ate the wrong plant (wild sweet pea) and started feeling sick, he wrote: "Happiness is only real when shared."
This was a key moment in the movie that deeply affected me. It’s sad how Chris's story ended, but the lessons he uncovered on his journey offer us the wisdom needed to navigate life, our choices, and what truly matters.
If you find the time, I highly recommend watching Into the Wild.
I hope you found my reflections insightful.
Keep winning!
– Ike
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