Blog Post#2
McCandless describes what he is looking for on his odyssey,
particularly on the Alaska trip, as “ultimate freedom.” It would seem that this
largely represents, to him, freedom from other people’s rules and authority
over him. Throughout his whole life he finds authority particularly oppressive,
especially when exercised by anyone who he feels only has such power over him
for arbitrary reasons. To live completely alone, in a world where the only laws
he feels the need to follow are those of nature, is to him ultimate freedom.
In your blog, please discuss the McCandless’ idea of the
relationship between the government and individual freedoms (“ultimate
freedom.”) Include, by citing specific textual evidence how McCandless favors
individual freedoms over government control. Be sure to explain his attitude
regarding civilization vs. nature as well. Then, discuss your opinion; do you
agree or disagree with McCandless’ view on these relationships?
The idea of the Government is something McCandless does not want to be a part of. In the book "Into the wild" Krakauer is trying to tell the reader how McCandless defies the government. For example, in chapter 4 when he concealed his car, license plate, rifle and other possessions. After that he piled up $123 and Burned it. By doing all of that and leaving everything that he was basically tied up to (his family and school), he felt free. His attitude toward civilization was the same. He felt like he was being forced to do everything that his parents wanted. For example, when he graduated, his parents agreed to pay for his law school even though he didn't want to attend. At the end he was tired of it, resulting in leaving everything behind. I agree with the McCandless, that the government should not have anything in our freedom. For the reason that if they have to much say in it, they will eventually go overboard.
ReplyDelete-Jumonji 😊
McCandless sees the wilderness as a good state, a place free of the evils of modern society, where someone like him can find out what he is really made of, live by his own rules, and be completely free. McCandless describes what he is looking for on his odyssey, particularly on the Alaska trip, as “ultimate freedom.” It would seem that this represents, to him, freedom from other people’s rules and authority over him. To live completely alone, in a world where the only laws he feels the need to follow are those of nature, is to him ultimate freedom.
ReplyDeleteAs his father had said, Chris didn’t like to be told what to do or to be pressured into doing something by anybody, whether they be his parents, the government, or society as a whole. What McCandless said to Jim Gallien in response to whether he had a hunting license summed up his attitude perfectly, “Hell no, How I feed myself is none of the government's business, fuck their stupid rules.” (Krakauer 6). I agree with McCandless, the government shouldn't be involved with our freedom.
Mccandless was a man of nature. A man who followed no rules and intentionally separated himself from society. As we've read in the book "Into the Wild", there have been many insinuations of how poorly Chris feels about the government and his desire to disobey it's ethics. An example would be how he filled out a W-4 form while working for Westerberg. "He had scrawled 'EXEMPT EXEMPT EXEMPT EXEMPT' and given his name as Irus Fucyu. Address: 'None of your damn business.'" (Westerberg in Krakauer 101) Although this is quite humurous, Chris writes the name "Irus Fucyu" to mean "Fuck you IRS".
ReplyDeleteHe believes in 'ultimate freedom', where he can live the way he pleases. No rules, no ideal way of life. His own way. Having self authority. This begins when he abandons his Datsun leaving all materials in it as well. A sense of freedom sparked. To Chris, ultimate freedom is living alone in a world where the only laws he feels the need to follow are those of nature. Sadly it requires total isolation. Therefore, McCandless’s quest for freedom rejects any and all friendships with others. Living to his own rules and of nature is selfish in a way. McCandless is living only for his own best interest. An example would be when he refuses to get a hunting license because he doesn’t think it is any of the government’s business what he eats. If society acted this way, animal populations would be destroyed causing food supplies to take a drastic tumble. McCandless's ultimate freedom is in no way correct. One person following these rules isn't a major risk but for any larger scale, would be dangerous and most likely disastrous. Therefore I do not agree with McCandless' ideology of ultimate freedom.
Chris McCandless describes what he is searching for on his quest, specifically on the Alaska trip, as "ultimate freedom". This "ultimate freedom can be explained as a freedom from his parents' expectations, government, and a certain lifestyle he is expected to live. Chris McCandless being extremely ideological, believes that the government only oppresses an individual and does not encourage one to live to their full potential but only as they suggest. Throughout the book McCandless expresses his beliefs through his dialogue and his actions. Furthermore, I personally see eye to eye with McCandless but oppose to the idea of that the government oppresses individuals.
ReplyDeleteIn particular McCandless' beliefs are clearly illustrated when he stated "How I feed myself is none of the governments business. Fuck their stupid rules." (Krakauer 6). By saying this McCandless shows that he does not need the government and their should not be rules when it comes to certain areas such as being able to hunt. Being able to gather and hunt your own food is a lifestyle and by having restrictions for instance needing a hunting license, cripples the freedom that comes with the lifestyle. As seen this aggravates McCandless and encourages his non-conformist beliefs.
The next time McCandless expresses his beliefs is when he burns all of his money. "One hundred twenty-three dollars in legal tender was promptly reduced to ash and smoke." (Krakauer 29). By doing this McCandless shows that possessions and materialistic items do not control his life. Burning his money symbolizes freedom from a society that is controlled by currency. After burning his money McCandless is free to live his lifestyle the way he chooses.
As for me, I personally agree that the government does want us to live a certain lifestyle but I do not feel that they oppress us. Yes a tramping lifesytle may be frowned upon and is not encouraged, but one does have a right to live as they desire. For I feel that the government encourages us to obtain the unobtainable rather than live a mediocre life. I see McCandless as biased because he only saw that the government encouged us to desire finer things rather than them encouraging us to expand our knowledge.
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ReplyDeleteTo McCandless the wilderness is attractive and fascinating. He sees wilderness as a place free of the bad things of modern society, where someone like him can find what he is made of. To live by his own rules and be free. In the book "Into the Wild", McCandless does not want to be part of the gov't. He rather have "ultimate freedom".
ReplyDeleteMcCandless doesn't want to be part of the gov't since he wanted to do things his way or no way at all. "Hell no... How I feel myself is none of the government's business. Fuck their stupid rules". (Krakauer 6) The example shows he desires to live by his own moral code. He didn't like politics or having fancy cars, luxurious vacations, or upscale homes. With the gov't you would need social security and birth certificate and they will know your identity right away.
He rather have “ultimate freedom” instead of being run by the government. “he walks the earth, no phone, no pool, no pets, no cigarettes, ultimate freedom”. (Supertramp qtd Krakauer 163) The example shows how McCandless prefers ultimate freedom because he can live completely alone in a world where the only laws he wants to follow is of nature. To him ultimate freedom represents to be free from other people's rules and authorities.
Throughout his whole life he finds authority oppressive, so he rather live by how own rules. McCandless wants freedom instead of living by the government. I agree with him because nature is far too beautiful and I think without technology we would enjoy it more and realize the point in it. Also because the government takes advantage of our freedom and enjoying nature would be astonishing.
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ReplyDeleteMc Candless beloved that the wilderness is beautiful and attractive. He this that the government is just being nosy. Like when he says '"How ever I feel is none of the government business. Fuck their rules." (Krakauer6) by that he mean no one should know what he is going trough r specially not the government he thinks that living a different life will find who he is. The freedom he thinks is not what his parents want but what he wants and it's being alone enjoying the actual meaning of freedom not just hey being indoor all the time or being on your phone if not being outside playing enjoying nature. Mc Calmdesll never liked politics he didn't believe in having a nice house a phancy car or phone. He thirst that modern is living simple. He believe with the government they will expect you to work go to school have papers txt. Mc Candless hated that he hates being told what to do that is why he left on that trip. I strongly agree with Mc Candless because he wants to enjoy life the right way and than having rules all the time on what you have to do. Teri a reason why he named him self 'Nemo' because Nemo means ' alone' and he would always love to be alone. Even though he did at a very young age atleast he had the chance to go after what he wanted and that's freedom he knew the true meaning of it and he went for it something that Orr torpor don't do cause their scared but he wasent he was tired of following rules being told what to do ow accepting stuff from people so that's when he lives the life of the wilderness. For that I respect him and the decision he made because he knew how top love his life to the fullest.
ReplyDeleteThe government roles have no effect on McCandless as he tries his hardest to go against it. He believes that people have their natural rights in the wild where the most of the life begins. Chris Believes the ultimate freedom is with no form of government, and with no sort of monitoring. Chris felt restrained by the government and also by his family who were basically forcing him to go to college when he didn’t really want to, even though his family was paying for it. He shows his oppression toward the government when he defies to tell his real name to anyone that could possibly be working for someone in the government. Also in chapter 4 he decided to burn up his money when he migrated; thinking it wasn’t anything important only the government's way of keeping you entitled to your duty as a “Free” man. Not only this but he removed his license plate from his car in the same chapter, providing no information to gain from the “wrecked” car. A notable act of defile toward the “system” was when he filled out the W-4 form "He had scrawled 'EXEMPT EXEMPT EXEMPT EXEMPT' and given his name as Irus Fucyu. Address: 'None of your damn business.'" (Krakauer 101) The literally meaning for “Irus Fucyu” was “IRS F*** you” which basically is telling the people who gather your information to go F*** themselves and “None of your damn business” as in “this is my right to disclose my location”. All Chris wanted was for everyone to find their ultimate freedom to live out with no rules and form of government or live life to the fullest with no boundaries. Therefore, I am going to agree with his ideology of his “Ultimate Freedom” due to the fact that nature is a beautiful thing and I believe we can survive without a form of government since we did live without it for 1000’s of years before it was introduced.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of "total freedom" from a certain lifestyle could mean a million things; however in McCandless's case, we are demonstrated that total freedom is from an oppressive government and authority. McCandless was a young man who believed in achieving the basic knowledge of whatever he was learning, he believed in learning just enough to get you by. McCandless believed in working for one's self, individualism. McCandless did not believe in the need for a government nor an oppressive authority which could be the main factor of his Into The Wild journey. McCandless believed that he himself could live off of the land and live with the most important necessities.
ReplyDeleteAs it is demonstrated, McCandless did not have a great relationship with his parents. McCandless did not agree on how both his parents and the government were encouraging people on expanding their luxuries rather than their knowledge. McCandless knew that the only way to avoid having to live a controlled life was by moving away and changing his identity. McCandless did not believe in allowing anyone to have a say in how he should live his life, often McCandless was questioned on why he decided to take on such a harsh journey but he himself had his personal reason. McCandless did not have a great relationship with his parents he felt as if they tried to purchase his respect by giving him gifts. McCandless did not agree with the lifestyle his parents Billie and Walt wanted for him, he did not want a new car, he did not want to go to law school, he did not want to have a set-up lifestyle. In Krakauers Into the Wild, he provides us with letters from Chris, written to Carnie, explaining on how his yellow Datsun was the best and how frustrating it was for his parents to offer to purchase him a new car. We are also provided with evidence that McCandless and his father did not have a great relationship, it stated that both McCandless and his father were both easily angered when told to do something, it is proven that they both did not like to be controlled.
McCandless himself deep down inside understood the need for a government, he believed in help. McCandless knew the risk of his long trip, he was aware of the struggle of going on days without food and support. McCandless was not easily settled, he believed that he one must live life with new experiences and new adventures in their past. He believed that the true happiness to one's life is living freely. McCandless demonstrated that throughout his entire trip, he transitioned from a young man who believed in only working for oneself to realizing the need for a stabled government. McCandless's attitude towards living in a "stable" society was negative, throughout Krakauers novel, there is insight of how happy McCandless was being away from society for a while and the troubles he had attempting to readapt to it. McCandless did not regret going into the wild, he was grateful for his incredible journey and the days he was able to live his life his way. I agree that one must live their own life as their own desires are; however, one must see both sides to everything, government is made from history and for the equality of humanity.
In regards of Mc Candles side the wildebeests attracts his attention. When McCandles is out in the wilderness he feels as if he finds himself. McCandles has always and will be setting his mind as in doing his own thing. "Hell no.. How I feel, myself is none of the governments business. Fuck their stupid rules." (Krakeur 6) McCandles has his own mind set to his personal belief. He does not care what the government says or does because he is not going to follow none of they're rules or anybody else's. McCandles as a child he will act like this always did what he wanted not what anybody else wanted.
ReplyDeleteIn my perspective I believe that McCandles does have a point. Due to the fact that government wants to make us live in a certain way. Yes as for many of us it's a good thing but for many others it's a bad thing. As he is opposing his side of view you are not being forced to live that way you choose to live in your own little world not nobody else's.
ReplyDeleteMcCandless was very bitter toward the government and believes their “rules” are stupid and he shouldn’t follow them. The wilderness is his ultimate freedom. He chose this independent life in the wild to be free and not have rules from anyone. When he says, “Hell no, How I feed myself is none of the government's business, fuck their stupid rules.” (Krakauer 6) he doesn’t care what they say or want to know. The government doesn’t phase McCandless and his decisions anyway. His way of life is his business and I agree with that. I also think that the government is purposely here for a reason to keep everyone civilized and the rules are made for our own good.
McCandless felt as if the government didn't give individuals "ultimate freedom." This was one of his major reasons for going on his odyssey, he didn't like society and no longer wanted to be a part of it. McCandless wanted to have his "ultimate freedom" as seen when Krakuer states, "...abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet. And then he invented a new life for himself..." (Krakuer 1 Author's Notes) By doing this McCandless made a point that he didn't need any of those things and was leaving them behind because he wanted to do things on his own, at his ultimate freedom.
ReplyDeleteMcCandless trying to break free from what he thought was a bad government is also seen when he comes across Gallien and he asks McCandless if he had a hunting license and McCandless replies with, "Hell, no. How I feed myself is none of the government's business. Fuck their stupid rules." (McCandless 6) This quote just shows how strongly McCandless feels about the government, he doesn't care for their rules.
His attitude towards nature vs civilization is also seen in the same quote from page 1 from the author's notes. Because he is leaving all his possessions behind he thinks he'll live off the land and will make it through without any help. This is also seen when Gallien offers him help and he fights back with, "I won't run into anything I can't deal with on my own." (McCandless 6) I believe McCandless felt as if he could survive on his own because he didn't think he need help nor want it because he felt as if it was his calling to go do this.
All in all, I agree with McCandless' statement about this government and how we the people have to "ultimate freedom", no matter what we want to do the government has to no about it and usually taxes you. An example would be marriage, we can't just go off and be technically "married" if there are no documents involved and of course paying for a "marriage" license. That's why I believe some people don't believe in marriage because you're not really "married" if there is no document paper saying there is. It's very idiotic in my opinion, that even out government has a say in our love lives.
McCandless did not agree with the lifestyle his parents Billie and Walt wanted for him, he did not want a new car, he did not want to go to law school, he did not want to have a set-up lifestyle. In Krakauers Into the Wild, he provides us with letters from Chris, written to Carnie, explaining on how his yellow Datsun was the best and how frustrating it was for his parents to offer to purchase him a new car.
ReplyDeleteMcCandless trying to break free from what he thought was a bad government is also seen when he comes across Gallien and he asks McCandless if he had a hunting license and McCandless replies with, "Hell, no. How I feed myself is none of the government's business. Fuck their stupid rules." (McCandless 6) This quote just shows how strongly McCandless feels about the government, he doesn't care for their rules.
In the book Into the Wild, Christopher McCandless is on an odyssey towards Alaska. Throughout the book Christopher shows how he feels about the government and individual freedom. McCandless didn't like the government, for the same reason that he didn't like to be told what he could do. Even when the rules were for his own good, he refused to listen to them. For example he refuses to get a hunting license because he doesn’t think it is any of the government’s business what he eats. He felt oppose to whatever or whoever told him what to do. He didn't see it as if it was something good for his own being; he took it as if they were tying him down. So he rebel against the Government.
ReplyDeleteMcCandless made the trip to Alaska because he wanted to experience ultimate freedom. Freedom from other people rules and authority over him. Chris all his life felt that he was told what to do, especially by his father. So he decided to do what he wanted and not have to listen to no one. This was his individual freedom.
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ReplyDeleteMcCandless left everything behind for the ultimate freedom. He left to get away from the government because they were always so involved everything that you did. “ This is the last you shall hear from me Wayne. Arrived here two days ago. [...] I now walk into the wild.” (Krakauer,3). In this quote McCandless has left and has already been gone for two days. He is going out to live his life of ultimate freedom. He has left behind his family and most, if not all of his belongings. “ “Hell, no,” Alex scoffed. “How I feed myself is none of the damn government’s business. Fuck their stupid rules.”(McCandless qtd. Krakauer, 6). “ “EXEMPT EXEMPT EXEMPT EXEMPT” and given his name Iris Fucyu. Address: “None of your damn business.” Social Security: “I forget.” (Krakauer, 101). In these two quotes it shows how much McCandless really hates the government and how they are always in your business and how they always want to know your whereabouts. “ He changed his name, gave the entire balance of a twenty-four-thousand-dollar savings account to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet. And then he invented a new life for himself, taking up residence at the ragged margin of our society, wandering across North America in search of raw, transcendent experience.” (Krakauer, 1). McCandless has left everything he has behind now and is ready to start a fresh new start. He cut of whatever relationship he had with the government and that is seen when he burns all his money and gives all his savings to a charity.McCandless leaves everything he has for the ultimate freedom. He didn't want to be involved with the government and that's why he left. I think McCandless was justified in leaving everything for ultimate freedom and that the government should not have anything to do with our freedom. I would have to agree with McCandless that the government should not have anything to do with our freedom and what we do with it.
ReplyDeleteMcCandless believed in individual freedom, but at the end his freedom turned tragic. But not only did McCandless believe in freedom he also lived it. For example, How I feed myself is none of the governments business. Fuck their stupid rules." (Krakauer6) I chose this because it shows that he didn't like the government from the beginning not only did he not like the government but he also didn't give him his real information. "McCandless's initial visit to cartage in 1990, he had scrawled "Exempt, Exempt, Exempt, Exempt" and given his name as Iris Fucyu. Address: "None of your damn business." the reason I chose this was because he didn't like the government getting in his business or his rules. This is my favorite quote, "no longer to be poisoned by civilization he flees, and walks alone upon the land to become Lost in the Wild." (Krakauer 163) What he is saying is that he's free from everyone the government who he hates, his family, and his friends. I agree with McCandless because the government shouldn't control your life we control our own lives and that's want McCandless did he was free from everyone and did want he wanted to do and honestly most people don't get to do what they wanted to do and they just did what they had to to live a decent life. McCandless was, "Into The Wild."
ReplyDeleteThere was one particular reason why Chris McCandless went out on an odyssey, and that is “Ultimate freedom.” McCandless was a young man who simply didn’t believe in government rule. Throughout his whole life, he finds authority particularly oppressive. What he wants is to live completely alone, in a world where the only laws he feels the need to follow, are those of nature. McCandless feels that the government shouldn’t decide for the people. He feels that everyone should be free, and do with their life, whatever they want to do with it. As we read the book, “Into the wild,” we discover more and more about McCandless, and what he was trying to prove. “He walks the earth, no phone, no pool, no pets, no cigarettes, ultimate freedom.” (Krakauer 163). McCandless went into wilderness completely unprepared, he wanted to prove that he didn’t need the government, and didn’t want to be a part of it. “How I feed myself is none of the government’s business. Fuck their stupid rules!” (Krakauer 6). McCandless wanted to show the government that he is independent, and that he can choose his own path, he even got rid of everything that was civilized. He burned all his money and threw out anything that he thought shouldn’t be with wilderness. McCandless saw nature as
ReplyDeleteextraordinary beauty, a place where you can actually feel free, live on your own rules. “No longer to be poisoned by civilization he flees, and walks alone upon the land to become lost in the wild.” (Krakauer 163). McCandless sees civilization as a rat hole. There’s no way to see what really is out there to explore and see the real beauty of nature, if you’re only aground civilization.
I agree with McCandless’ views of society and nature. I believe people should have the right to choose their own path, live how they want to live. The government shouldn’t have any reason to tell someone how to live their life.
Into The Wild
ReplyDeleteIn the book Into The Wild it is clear that McCandless hates authority and the government, McCandless also has a difficult time obeying the law because he feels like he does not need anyone controlling him. He believed that the rule is dumb and he has the right that he should not have to follow them. McCandless wants it to live life in the wilderness with ultimate freedom. He just wants it to be alone free from being bossed around by laws and people telling him what to do and what to say. He decided to chose the wild life when he said, “Hell no, how I feed myself is none of the government's business, fuck their stupid rules.”(Krakauer 6) from what he said he said he just don't care about the government says or does.
His way of life was inconsideration towards the government. The way he expresses himself on how he dislikes the government. How everyone lives their lives shouldn't be the government's matter. For example, when his parents offered to buy him a new car, he denied, saying then he would have to respect them.
I directly believe the government was arranged, because of their logical reasons. The government is helping make the laws to keep all and everyone civilized. We as a people we have to obey the rules and laws for many safe reasons. If we didn’t include architecture to the government like we do now everyone would be uncivilized. I agree and disagree because we all need order in life, the reason is if we didn't we wouldn't be where we are now, but when McCandless shows us another point of view with many explanations on tours why is better being free and with no one telling you what to do.