In 1992, Christopher McCandless set off on an odyssey into the Alaskan backcountry, an adventure that proved fatal. After McCandless's body was found, Jon Krakauer wrote an article about the story of Chris McCandless, which was published in the January 1993 issue of Outside magazine. The article had received a negative response; several readers criticized McCandless for being foolish and unprepared and showed no sympathy or remorse for his death. McCandless has been called a madman, a madman and a fool. However, McCandless was not a senseless man. In 1996, Jon Krakauer's novel, Into the Wild, was published. The novel reveals more details about McCandless' story. Into the Wild rejects the idea that McCandless is a foolish person and talks about the many occasions in which McCandless demonstrated great perseverance and determination. The novel also demonstrates McCandless's intelligence and exposes his psyche. The following examples will illustrate how McCandless was no fool, but someone to be admired. For starters, McCandless wasn't someone to give up. Although others tried to scare him from continuing his journey into the Alaskan wilderness, nothing dissuaded McCandless. He looked forward to experiencing life off the land. People McCandless met on his journey to Alaska often commented on his determination. Jim Gallien, the man who took McCandless into the Alaskan backcountry, described McCandless as a “true enthusiast.” McCandless's attempt to undertake such a risky venture is itself something to be admired. Traveling for two years, mostly on foot, is certainly no easy feat. However, McCandless persevered despite the difficulties he faced on his journey. McCandles... middle of paper... intelligence to help him endure for a long period of time in the Alaskan wilderness. In truth, McCandless was someone who wanted to find himself. He wanted to get away from a life in which he couldn't find satisfaction, something many others could identify with. While most people wouldn't go to such extremes to find satisfaction, everyone has a different way of finding happiness and pursuing what their heart truly desires. For McCandless, the desire was to live in the wilderness. Unfortunately this man of great character did not make it out alive. But that doesn't change the fact that he tried. McCandless knew what he wanted for himself and persisted, despite the obstacles he faced. He put in an incredible effort to achieve his goals and never gave up, and that's why Christopher McCandless is someone to admire..