nan | 楠木

I just finished reading Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild, which is a depressing yet fascinating read. It’s depressing, since the ill-fate of Chris McCandless – the 24 year-old who went into the wild – is given from the start. But the book’s painstaking reconstruction of the young man’s life thereafter is fascinating to read.

Being a self proclaimed utilitarian, I inherently disagree with McCandless’ worldview, and I think he could have done more for society (more utility) with his education and intellectual capacity. However I do respect his worldview, and his pursuit to find inner meaning. Unfortunately for this talented young man, who was quite similar to my age when he died (which adds a layer of comparison and retrospect for me), he took too many chances and nature took its toll.