Chris McCandless Advocate of Individualism

Some of the most successful people are often mocked before they achieve success for being different or abnormal. However, they are often the people that accomplish great things, and after achieving their accomplishments, they are praised for their different way of thinking. Chris McCandless, a young advocate of individualism strongly supported the idea of being unique and different. Being different and unique is a significant part of American culture, and is highly valued by many Americans. Just like Chris McCandless, most Americans strive to be different from others; Americans value being distinguished from one another and strive to be the best, first, and top of their field.

Individualism can be described as being self-reliant and acting on one’s own ideas and values .

Most Americans attempt to accomplish most things without relying on others, this shows how Americans strive to be self-reliant. In a survey taking data from forty-four countries around the world it was found that 57% of Americans believe that one’s success is determined by one’s self, rather than by any other outside forces.

This is exceptionally high compared the 38% median of the the rest of the world that believes this (Geo). Americans love to be driven by themselves, and they praise those who are able to become successful using their creativity and self reliance. There are many examples of American individualist ideals in Jon Krakauer’s book, “Into the Wild.” In the book, Krakauer explores Chris McCandless’s life and what led to his death (Kraukaur 3). In telling the story of McCandless’s life, Jon revealed that Chris was a strong believer in being self reliant and strongly valued individualism.

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Chris McCandless held these values with an extreme priority.

Chris McCandless strived to be different than all other people he had known. To accomplish this lifestyle of being completely self-reliant, he abandoned all of his possessions and money, living off the land with only a backpack full of his few possessions (Krakauer 18). One of the main reasons McCandless embarked on his adventure was to prove to himself that he could be completely self-reliant (Krakauer 86). For the sake of individualism and self reliance, McCandless abandoned his secure life and embarked on an adventure around the United States. In the end, McCandless died due to his desire to be completely self-reliant. Although Chris is an outstanding example of the American value of individualism; he took the American value to the extreme.

A quote by Lin Manuel Miranda, an American singer, songwriter, and actor, perfectly describes America’s fascination with being unique, “That’s being yourself. Chasing wherever inspiration goes, even as its radically different from the thing people know you as.” Lin Manuel Miranda value’s individualism and self expression. This value of individualism and creativity is due to Lin Manuel’s upbringing. Lin Manuel started his life from humble beginnings. His parents immigrated from Puerto Rico, and he began his life in Washington Heights, a neighborhood bordering Harlem (PBS). Through his love of music and self expression Lin has created and starred in two musicals, and because of his success created a multi-million dollar art program in Puerto Rico to help other Puerto Ricans express themselves. Lin Manuel has created a stepping stool to help promote self expression and individuality.

Lin’s goal is to help others achieve the same success as him through their own ideas and individuality. Lin Manuel is a model for individualism and for what it means to be an American. As can be seen from Chris McCandless, Americans hold themselves with pride because of the knowledge that they are unique and different. Individualism allows to embrace their creativity, and allow people to do things on their own. Chris McCandless expresses his ideas toward individualism through the way he lives his life. Chris abandoned his whole past life for the pursuit of individualism and self reliance. This individualism and self reliance can be seen in public figures such as Lin Manuel Miranda and his motivation to help other express themselves and be unique. Individualism is part of the American dream and is an important part of Americans lives.