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Into The Wild: Transcendentalism In Emerson And Henry David Thoreau

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Transcendentalism is a pragmatic philosophy, that emphasizes the ideas of individual development and potential. One man who followed the ideas of Transcendentalism was Christopher McCandless- the main character from the movie Into the Wild. Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were both influential transcendentalists that preached ideas in their writing. Throughout the movie Chris McCandless followed to large Transcendentalist ideas: living truly to himself, and living with simplicity. Chris does live the life of a Transcendentalist because he chose to leave everything behind him to live his life honestly, and with simplicity to become happy.
Living an honest live is acting and believing on what is best for yourself, not what believe or value. Thoreau in Walden in Conclusion, explains the importance of the individualistic lifestyle for everyone. Thoreau says, “Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth” (214). This means knowing the truth is the most important thing to know. Thoreau would rather have truth rather than relationships with others, financial success, and social success. The real truth is hiding and for one to find it must, get away from all of the distractions of …show more content…
When Chris’s death was nearing, he was on the bus bed and wrote down one last thought. Chris wrote, “I have had a happy life and thank the lord. Goodbye and may god bless all” (Into the Wild). In the dying moment of Chris’s life, he realized on his journey he was able achieve happiness. He showed his appreciation for God and everyone in his life for achieving his life goal. In the woods of Alaska, Chris was able to get away from the distractions from home that was causing him frustration and stress. By getting away from the distractions it helped him live a simple life in Alaska, only living with proper survival materials. Chris found the meaningness in life, and became to appreciate more with

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