How did Thoreau influence Chris McCandless?

How did Thoreau influence Chris McCandless?

Moreover, one of Thoreau’s lasting impressions on McCandless was that living without commitment was a positive thing in life. He said “as long as possible, live free and uncommitted.” Thoreau believed that living a life without responsibilities tying one down made for a successful life.

How is Chris McCandless similar to Thoreau?

Similar to Thoreau, McCandless rejects materialism. In order to find himself he rids himself of all materialistic items that serve as a distraction. He decides he no longer has a use for money and it will not help him become closer with nature.

What does Thoreau’s quote mean and how does it apply to McCandless?

Don’t rush into “adult” life, Thoreau advises. Chris McCandless takes this advice to heart and decides to wander free for several years before settling down. Thoreau’s quote is all about somebody refusing to be a sheep and following the rest of society just because that is what he sees everybody else doing.

What essay by Henry David Thoreau was the gospel to McCandless?

McCandless could endeavor to explain that he answered to statutes of a higher order, that as a latter-day adherent of Henry David Thoreau, he took as gospel the essay “On the Duty of Civil Disobedience” and thus considered it his moral responsibility to flout the laws of the state.

What beliefs did McCandless share with Thoreau?

Sharing many of the same ideas and beliefs, McCandless included much of Thoreau’s views into his own philosophy; such as, a rejection towards society, a need to simplify, and a respect towards nature.

What were Chris McCandless ideals?

McCandless believed in independence and nonconformity and that evil accompanies materialism. For this reason, he abandoned all aspects of modern life, cut off communication with family, disposed of all his money and possessions, and ventured into the wilderness, believing himself capable of self-sustenance.

What do you think Thoreau meant by truth Why do you think McCandless identified with this quote?

What Thoreau meant by “truth” was that which lies beyond us, far away from the superficialities of daily life. He identified with the above quotation because he saw that the world of wealth, fame, and material possessions was ultimately antithetical to the truth, and so he chose to retreat from it.

How does the Thoreau quote that opens the chapter match Chris feelings about his family?

I sat at a table where were rich food and wine in abundance, an obsequious attendance, but sincerity and truth were not; and I went away hungry from the inhospitable board. The hospitality was as cold as the ices. This quotation directly mirrors how Chris feels about his family.

What did Chris believe was his moral responsibility after reading Thoreau’s essay on the duty of civil disobedience?

He would have had to add that he was following Thoreau and his essay “On the duty of Civil Disobedience” and that it was his moral responsibility to answer to something higher than the law. He would then be fined and his parents would be contacted.

How does Chris McCandless demonstrate transcendentalism?

Transcendentalists believed that human beings and nature were equal, something McCandless demonstrated throughout his journey. In April of 1992, roughly two years after he started his journey, he camped away in the Alaskan wilderness, displaying acts of self-reliance by gathering his own food and lived without society.

How does Chris embody the values of the Transcendentalists?

Typical to a transcendentalist’s belief, Chris avoids intimate attachments. He views relationships as a distraction from his goal and becomes attached to books, gleaning information from authors such as Jack London, Leo Tolstoy and Henry David Thoreau. This helps him gain happiness through solitude and nature.

Was McCandless idealistic?

Chris McCandless was an idealist in the vein of Leo Tolstoy and Henry David Thoreau, both of whom he considered inspirations and mentors. He believed that the pursuit of wealth was corrupting society, and that man was meant to live in the pursuit of personal growth and mental development.