Chris McCandless Analysis (Into the Wild) 

I lived in Alaska for 3 years. This young man lost his life because he did not prepare. The summers in Alaska are heaven and the winters are hell. A tragedy that did not have to happen.

As a RN, I have adopted the "speculating here, not diagnosing" into my daily lexicon.

I always thought he had some sort of PTSD from constant stress of living with his family for his whole childhood and was more of an introvert...wanting to shut the world out and finally have some peace.

I really admired him when I was younger. Now that I’m older, I’m glad I never tried to follow his lead.

I am a therapist who was born and raised in Alaska. I must emphasize that it is very easy to die in AK. Beyond predators, the terrain and weather can be unpredictable and punishing. I have personally talked to many people from the Lower 48 who have romanticized McCandless' death, but his death was easily preventable. If you decide to visit Alaska, please take reasonable steps to be safe; the state has many state and national parks that visitors can enjoy safely.

"His father had difficulty regulating his intake of alcohil." That's very well put, Dr. Grande. I like that.

I watched the movie 'Into the Wild' twice, with wildly varying reactions. Once while in college, and once after backpacking the JMT. While in college, I romanticized McCandless, saw him as a hero, an outlier. The second time, I saw him as immature. Just two weeks in the wilderness had taught me gratitude for society, lightbulbs, grocery stores, etc. You don't know what you have til it's gone - damn right.

Here in RU-vid there's a documentary by his sister. It sheds light to the history of abuse and violence by his father. It's pretty eye-opening. Everyone reacts differently to a tough family history, it's sad his took him on a road that led to his too early death.

I love how Dr Grande does requests for us! This is one of the coziest corners of RU-vid for me which is awesome considering the material covered haha.

After reading the book , I found him to be more a young man who was unprepared & with out knowledge to survive in the wilderness . Instead of thinking of him as a hero, I felt sorry for his family's loss. Thank you Dr.Grande, great video as always !

After spending half my twenties idolizing people like McCandless and Jim Morrison, I realize that they were not good people to emulate. Jim Morrison was dangerous to himself and others despite being a great artist.

"A man's got to know his limitations." - Dirty Harry

I tend to see him as an overly freedom/nature-romantic fool with more confidence than knowledge.

OMG Dr. Grande one of my wolfies was in this movie!! I rescued her from Alaska, one of 30 wolves that were going to be shot by Alaskan authorities because the owners refused to comply with regulations regarding ownership. Bob Barker donated money and a plane to get them out of Alaska after local vets volunteered to spay/neuter and microchip them all. They were brought to Washington state then put on a truck and sent to a rescue in southern CA. I picked one up as a buddy to a wolf I had who lost his female friend, didn't know she had been in this movie till I read through her paperwork. Anyway, thank you for this analysis.

I have always surmised that this young mans reckless uncaring attitude towards himself was the result of his insensitive, unloving and dysfunctional upbringing. He needed to be as far away from them and their lifestyle as possible and had never been taught how to care for himself on a deeper level

I think "Into the Wild" is an inspiring story, but that most people miss the most important takeaway. He spent his last days seeking to be away from people due to his own trauma, falsely believing he would survive on his own, but only when nearing death did he realize his truth: "Happiness is only real when shared". He even admitted his most treasured experiences were the people he met along the way. ♥

I’ve been binging Dr. Grande videos. I was hospitalized with covid for a month and now I’m home recovering in bed. These videos entertain and also educate on mental health. Thanks for all the amazing content and great humor!

🤣 "The old 'Picture Satan is chasing you' trick". You *never* fail to deliver! 🤣

Being the child of an alcoholic is almost always creates chaos in your life. They destroy everything you need to become a functioning member of society. I think you described Chris perfectly in that he really was bouncing around his life without any direction or plan. He needed a community that could steady him and stop the disordered thinking in his head. His death was a tragic but inevitable end when you stumble out into nature unprepared with only dreams in your head.

I’ve read a biography about Chris and seen the movie Into the Wild. I was so frustrated that he was so careless with his life. He didn’t take any advice from others and in the end his carelessness caused his sisters much grief and sadness. I don’t consider him a hero.

Hey Doc, not speculating but diagnozing myself that I AM IN LOVE WITH YOU AND YOUR SHADES and also your plants introduction❤❤🇩🇪🇩🇪

“It’s like his father didn’t know how the whole marriage thing worked” the subtle shade haha, you’re sneaky Dr. Grande, I love that.

Every journey brings answers. He found his own. He wrote "happiness is only real when shared". He must have felt so lonely and scared at the end. RIP.

"...like burning your house down to feel warm" very interesting analogy

mr magoo was legally blind and would blindly walk into danger just like chris. mr magoo, like chris, had problems accepting his limitations

His early dysfunctional family parental upbringing is probably didn't help with his decision later in life

My personal feeling after seeing the movie about him and reading JK's book is what a sad waste of a life with such potential. I find it sad that so many young people have mistakenly romanticized the tragedy of Chris's life choices and terrible end as if it's something to be emulated. What he really needed was in depth counseling to resolve the anger and bitterness he felt towards his parents. Sadly, think Chris found out too late that he needed more than time alone, but by then he was unable to leave the place he found himself. For all of Chris's intelligence, he was unable to think outside the box of his surroundings, and perhaps by then was too weak physically to seek a way out. Yes, Chris should be remembered, not as a hero, but instead as a warning of what NOT to do. Life is more precious than you can imagine, you only have one.

"To be fair to Mr Magoo, Mr Magoo survived" DAMN that was a sick burn.

When I read this book when it came out, I knew a few adults and someone in their 20s that had been in and out of facilities his whole young life for being bipolar. There were behaviors and actions described in the book of Mr. McCandless that reminded me of the people I knew would do...not diagnosing anything, it just struck me at the time, particularly burying things at various locations like cash and being crazy altruisic with giving things away to feel exilarated

Much respect to you, Dr. Grande. I imagine you put in quite the number of hours to produce this free content. We need more people online who provide objective analyses, such as yourself. Take care!

“Too adventurous....perhaps he had a death wish.......Free at last, free at last. Thank GodAlmighty, I’m free at last”

I was the person that contacted you on Facebook and asked you to cover this story. Thank you so much!

Here for the peacefulness you bring- Also, for the rotation of plants. :)

One of the saddest story I ever heard, I was traumatized after watching the biopic 🥺

Essentially he was grizzly man without the bears.

It's such a sad loss - he seemed like a nice، decent person. Naive perhaps, and not a pioneer, just someone who wanted to find his own way...

OTHER PEOPLE: I'd listen to so-and-so read the phone book. DR. GRANDE PEOPLE: I'd listen to him read the DSM-5.

My OCD thanks you for turning the cactus so that the label on the pot isn't showing.

When I was seventeen, I idolized him. Now, as an adult, I see where he went wrong. His motivation and his story are very relatable, but he was deeply misguided. Mercifully, as an adult, I've traveled all over the country and gotten the same thrills without getting myself killed. Someday I hope to see more. Thanks to the cautionary tale of McCandless, I always go prepared.

Hippies: "He was a hero and is a great inspiration!" Alaskans: "He was a complete idiot..."

Every time i hear “Hello this is Dr.Grande” my day gets better 👍🏻

This story is heartwrenchingly sad.

"Perhaps the purpose of your life is simply to act as a warning to others". - anon

To add to this, I feel like he also made this decision out of rebellion. It seemed like he came from a family of high expectations and he exiled himself into the wild to pursue freedom. I too come from a family like that, and whenever my stress is humongous, I find myself subconsciously wanting to go extreme ways just to revolt... idk I kinda feel for this man

I'm trying to understand how a recent college grad who drives a Datsun 210 was able to donate $24,000.

"In their journey of self-discovery, they end up discovering death." 😂😂😂 ah...the nuanced delivery 😂😂🤣

This book and movie bring me to absolute sobs every time. Don McClean's song Vincent kind of describes Chris, too. Naive and suffering. I was glad when his sister decided to give the story of disfunction behind her brother's folly. She felt a sense of responsibility.

I’ve always felt that Chris was foolish - perhaps due to being overly confident. He also seemed to be impulsive and unable to weigh risks and consequences. I wonder if, by the time he decided to hike out, he was having trouble (or more trouble) with distorted thinking. To me it seems logical that he should have hiked along the river in both directions just to see if he could find a way across or some help.

I’ve just always seen this young man as altruistic with a heavy dose of arrogance. He ignored advice and assumed that he would conquer the natural elements and bend them to his will. That is a fool’s errand and he paid the ultimate price. Sad waste of young life.

I should add- your assessment is much more fair and even handed. He was neither saint nor sage or all fool. Thanks for video.

I think McCandless' new authority was his Alaskan surroundings, dictating if he ate, stayed warm or even if he was able to beat the harsh winter. He wouldn't be told anything by anyone, and this included the weather, he stuck two fingers up to it and it got the better of him.... As it was bound to.

I think he was somewhat in-between. He had admirable qualities as well as flaws. I think that his experiences were meaningful to him, which gave them some worth, but I think that he could have had experiences that were equally meaningful without taking such risks. I enjoy going outdoors, and sometimes do camping trips in national forests where I'm alone and have to rely on myself. I find these experiences meaningful. However, I always tell people where I'm going, and when I expect to be back, in case danger arises. I sometimes drift a bit in life, but I also am able to maintain my social responsibilities and ties to other people. McCandless glorified freedom, which is a nice thing to have, but I think he died before he really matured. Maybe if he had lived longer, he would have become a wiser person. He was clearly resourceful and strong willed. I think it's a shame that the extremes of his positive qualities weren't balanced out by more common sense.

Dr. Grande can you analyse the manipulation tactics of advertising and breakdown the psychological effects they could have on people?

I'm really impressed at your turnaround time from request to release. And how you listen to your viewers. Kudos doc.

This is a very kind appraisal of a case I've read about for years . Thank you for your tenderheartedness.

I remember reading the book in high school, I cried like a baby at the end, it was so incredibly heartbreaking.

Listening to Dr. G makes me smarter. Love this quality content.

I read this book a few years ago and then watched the movie. This was a sad story, it seems he was very depressed. He also hated his family and wanted to get away. I think because a very famous writer chose to write his story, he got legendary status.I think the narcissism you mention is interesting, he did seem to think he was smarter than everyone.

DR. GRANDE IS LITERALLY DELIVERING THE BEST CONTENT. I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!! YOU BRING ME SO MUCH JOY

YES! This was a super highly anticipated analysis, and I am so glad that you did it. It was just as fascinating as I thought it would be.

Thank you for this analysis, Dr. Grande. I agree, Chris McCandless appeals to the free spirit in us all. His is such a poignant story of a young man who was well-intended yet not well prepared.

I agree very much with your statements about the impact of his legacy - it is a sad truth that so many people idolize McCandless and have put themselves at risk in so doing.

Dr. Grande, your pace is relentless and , as everybody knows, your content and analyses just keep getting better and better. Much respect always, sir. Thanks!

Spiritual types never seem to properly acknowledge the risks of reality.

"The old picture Satan is chasing you trick" 😂🔥

Travis Walton could be an interesting profile to do , the guy who claimed to have been abducted by aliens and was the subject of the 1993 Fire In The Sky movie; recently on JRE

I am here for my daily Dr. Grande fix. Excellent analysis! Thank you sir. Blessings!🙏🏽🍀

I've honestly been avoiding other analyses about this case until I heard yours, thank you!

I watched the film and thought it was like an Aesop’s fable about pride.

Dr. Grande, can you please do a personality analysis of Rod Sterling, the famed host and producer of Twilight Zone? Thanks.

I'm so happy you picked this suggestion Dr. Grande!

I subbed to Dr. Grande's patron. Best choice ever. You get to see extra content as well as a smiley Doc. Love the content!

The Grande Podcast when? I think we need it

McCandless was really naive. If he'd read any Jack London novels he would have known what he was planning was a really bad idea. It gets cold in Alaska!

I have needed this one! I had been looking at all of the old content to see if you had already covered him.

This is the video that I asked for! Thank you Dr. Grande! Keep it up!

Oops I'm one of the alaskans that think he made a huge mistake, the bus ended up being a major tourist attraction stranding a lot of people on the way. Bus has been removed and put into a museum. Thanks for covering this I knew you would Moving the plants again :-)

I live on an island and a young fellow came sailing in on a tiny catamaran with no water or food - he had just had an adventure to the outer reefs. He was very relieved to be safely back here - hungry and thirsty - he had wanted to go and live wild off the sea - when he told me his name, I replied "I know what your name is - "Alexander Supertramp". He knew exactly what I was saying. There are a lot of Alexander Supertramps out there - I'm not surprised some don't make it - I'm just surprised that so many do survive. They are full of life and adventure and real characters and they get away from the screens and have a go.

Very intetesting, Dr. Grande. I had read and seen the book and movie, but your video is a good complement to see McCandless from different perspectives. Thanx!!!

Doc- topics and individuals are getting AWESOME!

Idealism. Possibly, idealism to the detriment of common sense, but the...”whatever” it takes, to live your life completely on your own terms, doesn’t seem like such a bad thing to me.

This case has always fascinated me. Thank you, Dr. Grande! i would love to see you cover Joshua Powell/the case of the Powell family.

I recently found your channel and I really love it. I am a therapist and love these types of videos

Thank you Dr. Grande! Interesting analysis! I love all of your analyses. I'm learning so much by watching your videos. I always thought that I had a good "feel" about people but just went by the "vibe" I felt. When I listen to you explain the many speculations, I learn so much! I feel so sorry for Chris, he must have been so confused. He didn't have a very good start in life because of his childhood. Sounds like he was smart enough but not well prepared, skilled nor aware of what could happen in the wild. He must have become withdrawn and wanted peace, beauty and quietness. It must have been like wanting to be in heaven? He was a dreamer. He wanted to challenge himself, like he was self discipling. I never saw the movie nor read the book will be looking for it though. My heart goes out to him for his longing in life! Sad and touching.

I think that this story should be taken as a cautionary tale in taking risks. I’m not saying to not go into the wilderness but follow the scouts motto “Be prepared “. Bring a map, a first aid kit and a sack of granola bars at least

Also, Dr. Grande, can you analyze the Christian missionary guy that tried to bring religion to that small Sentinelese island and was killed in the process? I’ll go look up his name. His name was John Allen Chau

Haven't watched for a bit and now I found you have a fresh new background that's very nice! I like your analysis on Mac candless. Such a sad story 😢

I adore your channel but these days I'm having even more fun watching the array of plants behind you change with each upload! I've read Into the Wild and his sister's book The Wild Truth, several times. Tragic upbringing and tragic ending for Chris Mccandless. Sad all around 🙁

Omg, I just watched this movie for the first time 3 weeks ago and couldn't stop thinking about Chris. I have done some research and was actually watching it again when I got the notification! 😲

Todd, always loved your videos. Keep up the great content!

The analysis I didn’t know I needed! Amazing insights as always Dr. Grande ✨

Been waiting for this one!💙Dr Grande I love your subtle shade!😅

It almost seems like Chris was running away from something, someone, willing to take on any risks that came his way feeling whatever the risks might be, it was better than where he began his journey. He felt he had the strength to handle each as it came. I don’t believe he wanted to die, after all he did try to hike out of the wilderness when he realized how serious his situation had become. If he wanted to die, wouldn’t he have just stayed at the bus the entire time? Also there was the note asking for help, asking that whoever read the note to not just pass on by. The note wasn’t a suicide note nor did it read like someone who wanted to die. It was the opposite actually, it read like someone who very much wanted to survive. It would have been interesting if he had made it out or been rescued in time to see what he would have done next. After nearly starving to death, would he have found a bit of appreciation for the material things in life like money to buy warm clothes and food? Would he have gotten over a reckless lifestyle to live one more goal oriented and safer. Or did he want to get out of the inhospitable wilderness so he could gather up proper supplies to return yet again to his bus? We will never know what he realized, what he learned, in his last weeks of life. Maybe he was able to forgive his parents especially his father. Living with an alcoholic parent can prevent a child from having a firm foundation on which to build his life. This certainly seems to apply to Chris. I hope he found peace finally getting away from the demons from which he was fleeing. I hope he was able to forgive himself for in essence wasting the gifts he had, mentally and physically, and the life he was given. In the end I hope he found what he was seeking spiritually. If only he had made it to the cabin...he was just 6 miles short of having continued life...knowing that makes his story even more painfully sad. Thanks Dr Grande.

If anyone has not seen “Into the wild” (Chris McCandless’ story) this movie and his story by Jon Kracaur and Carine McCandless is pretty amazing. I think he was a bit arrogant and a dreamer but he did something not a lot of people ever have the courage to do. He had no kids, no responsibilities so if that’s what he felt had to do, I’m sure he knew death was possible. To be so charitable and so bold is admirable. The self control, maturity and forgiveness may have come with time since was only in his early 20’s. For those of us with an explorer soul, sometimes you just have to take the journey. 🧭🗺

Thanks for covering this one. Your perspective is an original one.

This was so well explored. You make so many great points and ask important questions.

What other RU-vid listens to his fans and makes a video that was requested the very next day!? Dr. Grande you are the BEST💙🔥

Between the “picture satan chasing you” and the comparison to Mr. Magoo - I can’t stop laughing.

Yay! I requested this. But I was hoping more analysis of his parents and how they may have shaped his outlook.

Good afternoon Dr Grande. Great analysis. Great topic, but also tragic. Thank you Dr Grande have a great day!