Likeable Fool

"The company I work for has a strict rule against picking up hitchhikers. It could get me canned" (Krakauer 158 ).

This scene is where Chris talks to Gaylord Stuckey, and asks if he can hitch a ride with him. At first, Stuckey says no and seems concrete about it as well. They both meet in a steaming pool, where they talk. They first speak of their destination, which brings McCandles to ask if he can ride with Stuckey. Stuckey first denies him, as his company has regulations about hitchhikers. But as they talk, and get to know each other, Stuckey seems to change his mind, seeing that McCandless is not your normal hitchhiker. He's smart, obviously knows what he's taking about, is clean shaven and had short hair. This makes Stuckey rethink this, and so changes his mind and agrees to let McCandless go with him. This shows that McCandless can be inspirational, by keeping a clean appearance, and not speak nonsense, can give you a good persona and look.

Inspirational, or Foolish?

"HAPPINESS ONLY REAL WHEN SHARED"(Krakauer 189).

McCandless had been reading the book, Doctor Zhivago, and had underlined several passages, scribble many exited notes, and make bold printed statements, such as the one atop this blog. What he says is both foolish and inspirational, but to me, I see it as inspirational, as I am the same way, give or take. I can be happy by myself, but not forever. I enjoy being with friends and sharing my happiness and enjoyment, but everyone needs a breather here and there, and needs to have some fun by themselves. I believe McCandless had been the person who just wasn't enjoying himself in life, due to his parents, and his dislike for a typical lifestyle. His breathers were going on those long trips, or daunting hikes, either by himself or with others. During the summers he would go on prolonged road trips by himself. When he finished college, however, he left for the longest, and sadly last, prolonged "breather" of his life. Sharing happiness is usually what brings people together. McCandless seemed to need to figure that out himself. He read a great many deep and inspirational books, which, although can be called sketchy by some, were how he became who he was. Through the books he took with him on this journey, he learned, or realized, maybe he shouldn't be so distanced from people, as said, happiness is only real when shared. Towards the end of his days in the wilderness, he seemed ready to forgive his parents, and go back to a normal lifestyle.

Do you want fries with that?

"Chris didn't understand how people could possibly be allowed to go hungry, especially in this country."(Krakauer, 113).

Chris is an inspiration to me here. He can't stand, understand, and hates that people can/will starve, and he does something about it. What he does is inspirational because he doesn't just say he hates how people go hungry. He actually goes out, buys food, interacts with less than stellar characters, and gives them food. He even tricked, if you can call it that, a friend into going with him. They met with all kinds of people, from all kinds of life. From squatters, homeless, pimps, prostitutes, etc. He didn't care who it was, he wanted to make sure they had something to eat. He takes risks, meeting desperate people and simply giving them food. He risks being robbed, shot, stabbed, even killed. Yet he still goes out and gives the needy much needed food. This is an admirable thing to do, as he thinks not of himself, and only of others.