How the movie Into the Wild explains my philosophy of traveling.

So it has been a while since I've written in my blog. Well, I suppose that I haven't had the proper motivation or inspiration, otherwise known as laziness. Writing is a discipline and a way for me to explore my thoughts. Plus, things don't always go according to plan. So, let's continue.

From before, events shape your character, mind, and perceptions. But, as much as I'd like to consider myself the ultimate observer, objective in every way, the character and mind affect the way that events are perceived. Thus, objectivity is unattainable. But that doesn't mean that trying is not enjoyable.

Watching the film Into the Wild, I came to identify with the main character, Chris, who becomes disaffected with the world and societal values that he sees as a lie. The circumstances surrounding this disillusionment happened in the home. He learned his parents had lied to him his entire life, which from his frame of mind is a complete betrayal of trust. Imagining myself in the same situation, if you can't trust the smallest, most intimate institution in society, the family, then who can you trust.

So, he sets out on an expedition without the encumbrances of society, money, credit cards, and even his identity-more so a jab at his family than anything else-and in so doing, he is completely free. It's just him and nature. During one encounter with an old man, Ron, who has not done much with his life since his wife died, there is a memorable quote and something of my philosophy of traveling. At the end of his time with Ron, Chris says, "But you're wrong if you think that the joy of life comes principally from human relationships. God has placed it all around us. It's in everything."

It shouldn't come as a surprise I feel the same way as Chris. So I also receive joy from creation, nature, and the observations of everyday life. It's not a matter of being a hermit, it's a matter of being alive. Seeing the little things requires a conscious effort, but it makes you appreciate life. Another thing to add to this point is that there are lot more creations out there than there are people. This includes human creations and God's creations. So, with my economist mindset, I make some value decisions that I hope make for a fulfilling life, which may or may not include human interaction.

Thus, when traveling, the people that compose a new place are important to understanding that place and their interactions with the systems that make the identity of that place. But geography which has been a passion of mine since I was five years old was and is my primary motivation for traveling. Of course, geography doesn't only include what one might think of as geographical features; capitols, mountains, lakes, etc., it also includes the climate, ecology, and human cultures that compose the world. So, I honestly think that understanding geography (history included) helps me understand people, and why certain people are the way they are.

So to sum up, places are identified by its geography and its people, people are products of their environment, and that environment includes all manners of creation. Thus, in my efforts during travel, I try to get a full understanding of a place.