30 Chris McCandless Quotes From The Traveler Who Inspired 'Into The Wild'
Gallery
Christopher McCandless was also known by his nickname Alexander Supertramp.
He was born on 12 February 1968 and was found dead on 18 August 1992. His death has been the topic of debate since while some sources claim that he died of starvation others claim it was due to a poison that he consumed in the wild and some claimed both.
His motive in life was to reject conformity to capitalism and materialism in the world and seek solace in the wilderness. He was an American who grew up understanding the American society, Capitalism, the notion of rich and poor and hence he decided to follow his heart.
Right from the concept of wilderness being represented in the Bible as a distant and dark place where one either gets lost or finds themselves, to the works in American history and texts where thinkers like Walden and Henry David Thoreau interpreted the concept of wilderness, it's become a topic of discussion in various forums.
Christopher McCandless was one such individual who sought to live in the wild solely based on his choice.
His life was the inspiration to the novel titled 'Into The Wild', as well as the Hollywood movie made of the same title. Emile Hirsch played the role of Chris McCandless in the film and showcased both lifestyles i.e.
that of a capitalist American society and his experience in the wild. Both the book and the novel were a success among the audience.
Even today when understanding the themes of 'wilderness', Chris McCandless's name is mentioned almost instantaneously.
In this article, we will take a look at some inspirational and other Christopher McCandless quotes inspired by his life and journey. If you love Christopher McCandless quotes, visit 'Into the Wild' quotes and funny travel quotes.
Inspirational Christopher McCandless Quotes
Christopher McCandless had the courage the explore the undiscovered and is remembered even today because he stood for what he believed in while many often settle for the life which guarantees safety and security.
In many instances what makes his life more meaningful is his experience which is in the current world inaccessible to most people, given that our environments have changed so much and we have been drawn away from nature.
Take a look at these inspirational Christopher McCandless quotes.
1."Don't hesitate or allow yourself to make excuses. Just get out and do it. Just get out and do it. You will be very, very glad that you did."
-Christopher McCandless
2."The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure."
-Christopher McCandless
3."Happiness is only real when shared."
-Christopher McCandless
4."Make each day a new horizon."
-Christopher McCandless
5."There is no greater joy than to have endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun."
-Christopher McCandless
6."No longer to be poisoned by civilization he flees, and walks alone upon the land to become lost in the wild."
-Christopher McCandless
7."Circumstance has no value. It is how one relates to a situation that has value. All true meaning resides in the personal relationship to a phenomenon...what it means to you."
-Christopher McCandless
8."So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security...all of which may appear to give one peace of mind but in reality, nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit."
-Christopher McCandless
9."Make a radical change in your lifestyle and begin to boldly do things which you may previously never have thought of doing, or been too hesitant to attempt..."
-Christopher McCandless
10."The life and the simple beauty of it is too good to pass up."
-Christopher McCandless
'Into The Wild' Chris McCandless Quotes
'Into The Wild' movie directed by Sean Penn won two Oscars and was a major hit. The mise-en-scene of the film was something worth appreciating.
Although, movies made based on novels/books fail to cover the most crucial aspects of the story, 'Into The Wild' was one film that did justice to giving its audience a gist into an alternate form of lifestyle away from Capitalism. Here are some quotes from the movie.
11."Strong. You can do anything. You can go anywhere. Money, power is an illusion. It's up here. You can be here. Me and You."
-Christopher McCandless
12."People just need to change the way they look at things."
-Christopher McCandless
13."Facing the blind death stone alone, with nothing to help you but your hands and your own head."
-Christopher McCandless
14."Getting out of this sick society."
-Christopher McCandless
15."Some people feel like they don't deserve love. They walk away quietly into empty spaces, trying to close the gaps of the past."
-Christopher McCandless
16.“If you want something in this life, reach out and grab it.”
-Chris McCandless
17."The core of man's spirit comes from new experiences."
-Christopher McCandless
18."I will miss you too, but you are wrong if you think that the joy of life comes principally from the joy of human relationships."
-Christopher McCandless
19."If we admit that human life is ruled by reason, then all possibility of life is destroyed."
-Christopher McCandless
20."I am going to paraphrase Thoreau here...rather than love, than money, than faith, than fame, than fairness...give me truth."
-Christopher McCandless
Chris McCandless Journal Quotes
The only form of connection Chris McCandless had with the outside world was through his writing. He recorded his experiences daily which was beneficial since it helped people find out more about his life.
The whole essence we get when dealing with Chris McCandless is to know a little about relooking at things from a different perspective to realize the essence of life. Here are some quotes inspired by his life and experience.
21."I read somewhere...how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong...but to feel strong."
-Christopher McCandless
22."It is the experiences, the great triumphant joy of living to the fullest extent in which the real meaning is found. God it's great to be alive!"
-Christopher McCandless
23."All true meaning resides in the personal relationship to a phenomenon, what it means to you."
-Christopher McCandless
24."The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon for each day to have a new and different sun."
-Christopher McCandless
25."You don't need human relationships to be happy, God has placed it all around us."
-Christopher McCandless
26."I don't want to know what time it is. I don't want to know what day it is or where I am. None of that matters."
-Christopher McCandless
27."Ultimate freedom. An extremist. An aesthetic voyager whose home is the road."
-Christopher McCandless
28."I now walk into the wild."
-Christopher McCandless
29."We must have the courage to turn against our habitual lifestyle and engage in unconventional living."
-Christopher McCandless
30."I have had a happy life and thank the Lord. Goodbye and may God bless you all!"
-Christopher McCandless
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotesfor everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Christopher McCandless quotes then why not take a look at study abroad quotes, or journal quotes.
We Want Your Photos!
More for You
See All
Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Masters of English Literature
Merlyn MathewsBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Masters of English Literature
As a multilingual content writer, Merlyn's command over multiple languages and her strong academic background in English enhance her writing capabilities. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English from Christ University and a Master's degree in English from the University of Leeds.Her professional journey includes internships at The Lagoon School and The Guardian Newspaper, both in Nigeria, enriching her experience and lending depth to her understanding of diverse work environments. Additionally, her volunteer work with Oxfam and Handout Foundation reflects her dedication to social causes.
Disclaimer
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.
