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Supertramp

I recently saw a movie that had a tremendous impact on me personally. The movies called 'Into the Wild' and it chronicles the life and death of Christopher Alexander McCandless (aka "Alexander Supertramp"). Watching the movie reminds of a similar situation experienced by Harold Kushner at an airport whereupon he stumbled upon a book by Jean Piaget entitled ‘The Moral Judgement of the Child’. Both situations left us that much richer for having experienced them.

The movie portrays a young man who, dissatisfied with life, embarks upon a journey into the wilderness to discover himself. In doing so he cut ties with his family and did away with much of what his life used to represent.

I think one of the main reasons this movie proved to be such an inspiration to me is because it was the very first time I had ever seen someone completely embody the philosophies espoused by so many of the authors I had read growing up. Authors like Kushner who insist that sometimes we have to become less in order to be more. Granted, I don’t suggest that everyone abandon their families on a whim but, as Christophers sister insists, perhaps it was what chris needed. Christopher’s parents apparently shared a volatile relationship which instilled within Chris feelings of resentment. Perhaps Chris needed to distance himself from his family in order to see clearly again.

Happiness is an important theme throughout 'Into the Wild'. However, I think it is important to note that Christopher did not set out with the intention of finding happiness. Happiness is the wrong goal. Contrary to popular belief, happiness is not a status or commodity that can be achieved through hard work. It is a strange thing that when one seeks out those who are truly happy, one does not find them where one expects them to be. Happiness does not reside exclusively among the rich and powerful but instead is found primarily among those who live lives that are full of meaning. It is therefore possible to descend into situations that seen completely hopeless and still find happiness, however fleeting. Victor Frankl insists that irrespective of the situation and circumstances people find themselves, there is one freedom that can never be taken away and that is the freedom to choose whether one will succumb or overcome. Meaning plays a critical role in determining that choice.

To illustrate this point, allow me to refer to another well known movie entitled 'The Pursuit of Happiness'. I think the title of this movie is grossly misleading. Chris Gardner did not become a stockbroker with the intention of finding true happiness. Rather it was his determination and love for his child that drove him to the heights that he eventually reached. It is important to recognise that Chris did not pursue happiness, Happiness pursued Chris.

I like Kushner’s analogy which substitutes happiness for a butterfly. The harder we try to capture the butterfly, the quicker it disappears. It is only when we focus our attention on other activities that the butterfly eventually sneaks up behind us and lands on our shoulder.

In his book ‘When all you’ve ever wanted isn’t enough’ Kushner talks at length about the biblical book of Ecclesiastes and the existential crises faced by the author. Following numerous attempts to find the ultimate meaning of life, the author concludes with the following words: “Eat, drink, and be merry for who knows how long you will live”. Many people understand this statement to mean that people should hedonistically experience as much joy as possible since life is utterly meaningless. However, I agree with Kushner’s interpretation wherein he explains that perhaps the author is urging us to savour the moment, if only because of the fact that it is only a moment and will not last forever. Life isn’t about amassing as much wealth and power as possible. It is about finding fulfilment in the many moments of our lives. It is about appreciating the beauty of the world around us. By finding fulfilment in the transitory we inevitably imbue our lives with meaning and joy.