Two years ago, i celebrated my 21st birthday all alone in Brissy. With my parents in Malaysia and friends back in their own countries, it was me and 24 hours worth of me-time. Waking up to a quiet IH, i caught a bus to the city to get some shopping done. Strolling along Queen Street Mall, i went wherever my mind took me to and found myself in the cinema, buying a ticket to a movie i had randomly picked.
What happened next in the cinema is the reason why December 3rd, 2007 was one of my best birthdays ever. It was the day i was introduced to Christopher McCandless.
As a good student, Chris was offered a place in the Phi Beta Kappa Society. He however, declined because he felt that honours and titles were irrelevant. Upon graduating, he donated all the money he had (all $24,000 of it) to charity and in 1990, changed his name to Alexander Supertramp and embarked on a special journey.
During this time when he was away (and when his family was desperately trying to locate him), he was alternating between working a few odd jobs to pay for his necessities and living in the wild with no food or human contact. In 1992, he hitchhiked to Alaska, the reason that inspired this journey, in order to go back to basics and experience life for what it is. Though he was brimming with enthusiasm, he however, did not go prepared.
Finding shelther in a run-down bus, he lived there for a few months, hunting for food and feeding on wild plants (with the guide of a book). When he felt that he had gained what he wanted from the experience, he finally decided to head home. Unfortunately, his trail was blocked by a river which had grown wider and swifter when he first crossed it. With no food left, he went back to the bus and was found dead a few weeks later. He left behind a journal in which, among other description of his days, he wrote "I have had a happy life and thank the Lord, goodbye and may God bless all". His official cause of death was starvation and some also suspected that he might have accidentally consumed poisonous seeds.
Many think of him as a stupid man for trying to survive Alaska without any preparation. Heck, if Chris really did his homework, he would have found out that there are cabins not too far from the bus he was putting up in.
But i think this man should be applauded for doing what he felt was right for him. Yes, he may have died because of his own carelessness but he had the courage to part with materialism (which has consumed us all) and live in the wild. This young man could have went on to work in an established firm and experience the party world of a fresh grad but he insisted on doing what most of us would never even dare dream of. What he believed would help him learn the true meaning of our existence.
During his journey, he wanted to go away from everything to seek happiness in solidarity but at the end, he realised, and i quote him, that "happiness only real when shared". Alas, it was too late but his act is an inspiration that will live on for eternity.
I've watched the movie, Into the Wild, inspired by him. I've read the book of the same name. And each time, he leaves me with a certain feeling of awe, inspiration, amazement and respect that i cannot shake off.
Supertramp, may you rest in peace!
P.S - Seriously guys, you HAVE TO watch the movie or read the book. It will change you.
