I
have just watched one of my favourite films. It is a film that some critics
have lauded as revolutionary and some have panned as over-acted and aimed at
the shoe-gazer in all of us. The film in question is ‘Into the Wild’; the
cinematic portrayal of John Krakauer’s bestselling novel of the same name. It
tells of the true story of Christopher McCandless’ journey to find meaning and
freedom, away from his view of the materialistic and subversive nature of the
world. Although his journey ends in tragedy in the middle of the Alaskan
wilderness, he gains from his travels. He realises the value of shared experience and
his world-views are challenged. This, to me, is the essence of what it means to
travel. Films such as this one, books like Kerouac’s ‘On the Road’ and poetry
such as Robert Frost’s iconic ‘The Road not Taken’ are what inspire people to
get out there, away from the norms of daily life, to see the wonders this big
blue marble offers to those who venture far. Literature and the arts are, since
the decline of pilgrimage in the modern age, the driving force for adventure
and exploration away from the comforts of home. Writers and artists use the
tools of their trade to inspire wanderlust and encourage people to do good for
the world. Since before I can remember, all I’ve wanted to do is get out there,
escape the suburban sprawl and see and experience the marvels of the world.
This love of all things different from the status quo has given me a
level-headed vision on the Earth and its problems. I credit writers, poets and
artists for giving me this passion and drive. The Earth is something that
should be treasured and thankfully, intellectuals understand this; they are
people who inspire.
