The ideals and meaning of living life to the fullest, and with purpose, can be defined in a multitude of ways. People all throughout history have attempted to create a set definition to life, and just what should be done with what every person has been give. But, alas, no definition has been set for everyone is unique to their own lives and differ on how they view their lives developing. While looking at Into the Wild, Self Reliance, and Walden, or Life in the Woods; Krakauer, writing about McCandless’ view, Emerson, and Thoreau, establish the pursuit or definition of living with meaning and purpose. While the views that express are similar in different ways, these views also differ in the same number of ways. McCandless and Thoreau shared multiple reasons for being transcendental, such as the hatred of materialism. Both men disliked the thought of money and how it affects society. McCandless so opposed to the idea of money that he gave all of his savings to a charity and burned what money he had left. Another reason for turning a blind eye to society was a love and appreciation of
nature.…show more content… Part of McCandless’ rejection of his parents comes from the belief that they control and repress the spirit of freedom that exists within him. The same reverence for freedom is just as equal in the displays of Emerson’s work, especially concerning individuals and their relationships with external structures. Emerson utilizes freedom as a way to connect while using ethos, something that individuals cannot sacrifice under certain circumstances. McCandless’ attitude towards a transcendental notion of truth is what drives him throughout the narrative. He understands and recognizes that there might be more than what is presented in front of him. This quality is one that Emerson would have embraced in his writing, as stressing that what is in front of us might not be the defining element to life
