Have you ever thought of finding happiness? Or wanted to leave everything behind and go living into the woods and nature? Or wondered if all this materialistic world around you makes any sense at all?
Today we’re sharing 11 Into The Wild quotes that’ll shake your soul and touch the core of the human in you. These quotes teach the kind of wisdom one should savor for life.
Into The Wild is the story of a boy named Christopher McCandless who abandons society and goes living in the wild despite having the potential of a ‘good life’ ahead — his scores were well in college, and he was athletic. Still, he found his solace in the wilderness.
These quotes are from Into The Wild movie; however, Into The Wild book authored by Jon Krakauer is also available if you’re into reading.
1. Being Footloose is Absolute Freedom.
“It should not be denied that being footloose has always exhilarated us. It is associated in our minds with escape from history and oppression and law and irksome obligations. Absolute freedom.”
It is no wonder that we humans have always been travelers. From trade to leisure, from exploration to discovering the new, being footloose is inscribed in our veins. Maybe modern life and responsibilities bind us to stay in one place, but we can’t live without moving.
In essence, our bodies are not for sedentary lives, and this quote from Into The Wild reflects that.
2. What Does This Even Mean?
“I understood what he was doing. That he had spent four years fulfilling the absurd and tedious duty of graduating from college, and now he was emancipated from that world of abstraction, false security, parents and material excess, the things that cut Chris off from the truth of his existence.”
At some point in life, most probably in your 20s, you’ll face an existential crisis. You’ll search for answers, meaning and try to make sense of the temporary world around you. How it affects your personality then will mold the path you’ll choose in life.
For Chris, he hated the world of fakery and hypocrisy. His parents also contributed to this belief as much as society.
His sister quotes this in Into The Wild movie, which perfectly captures our hunt for meaning and purpose in life.
3. Love, Do You Deserve It?
“Some people feel like they don’t deserve love. They walk away quietly into empty spaces, trying to close the gaps to the past.”
The quote is one of the truest Into The Wild quotes of all. It shows what happens with most of us today — we love, get hurt, and then a belief sets in that we don’t deserve love.
Love is the most beautiful feeling of all; however, like all feelings, it dissipates. So, should we stop loving since it’s only temporary? No. Maybe these beautiful lines try to say that it’s okay to get hurt by love. It happens in all kinds of relationships. But it’s not okay to forget to love ourselves or think that we are unworthy of love.
To love others, we must learn to love ourselves first. And we don’t mean the inconsiderate-of-others type of love but the one whose source is you.
4. Bravery is Always Rewarding.
“The sea’s only gifts are harsh blows, and occasionally, the chance to feel strong. Now, I don’t know much about the sea, but I do know that that’s the way it is here. And I also know how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong, but to feel strong, to measure yourself at least once, to find yourself at least once in the most ancient of human conditions, facing the blind deaf stone alone with nothing to help you but your hands and your own head.”
When Chris left his world behind and began the journey, I thought, what if I would do the same. He goes from cities to the wild, meeting people of every kind, kayaking, running on shores, and enjoying nature in its best form. Watching and knowing his experiences gives me goosebumps and chills down the spine.
This is one of the Into The Wild quotes that I like. There’s hope and inspiration to stay strong. Be brave, even though you may not be, but it’s necessary to stay strong in your beliefs and heart.
5. Why Do We Hate Each Other Despite Knowing…
“‘Cause you know what I don’t understand? I don’t understand why people, why every fucking person is so bad to each other so fucking often. It doesn’t make sense to me. Judgment. Control. All that, the whole spectrum.”
In Into The Wild movie, Chris said this when he was drinking and talking to Wayne. It captures something that I’d never understand too. Why are we so nasty to each other? Don’t we know that we’ve only each other?
Maybe we don’t.
Think for a second — what else do you have other than the connections you make through your life?
6. Don’t Wait For Life To Happen.
“And just remember, if you want something in life, reach out and grab it.”
If life doesn’t happen to you, you go and happen to ‘life.’
Opportunities often hide in plain sight; time never stops for anybody; life will go on; success isn’t a straight path; happiness and sadness are both parts of life. These are some of the truths of life we learn as we grow old.
The point is: these are truths. You can’t change it, so there’s no point in feeling sad or depressed about life thinking yours isn’t ‘fun.’
Instead, we should reach out and grab what we want, just like Chris said in the movie.
7. Careers?
“I think careers are a 20th century invention, and I don’t want one.”
This quote might not be the wisest of all, but it sure hell is relatable. We’re in the 21st century, the information age, where you can become anything you want, gain any knowledge you want at your fingertips; in most cases, for free.
So, you don’t need to follow the cliché path. Change is mandatory for growth and betterment always. Let this quote remind you: you are at the disposal of infinite possibilities.
8. Experience Teaches.
“I mean, the core of man’s spirit comes from new experiences.”
Because when we seek new experiences, we break our biases, we change and learn that the world isn’t what we think it is.
9. Embrace Nature.
“But you’re wrong if you think that the joy of life comes principally from human relationships. God’s placed it all around us. It’s in everything. It’s in anything we can experience. People just need to change the way they look at those things.”
This quote from Into The Wild movie reminds us that God is in everything around us. Every experience, whether artificial or natural, has God’s embrace on it.
10. Forgive, Spread Love.
“But when you forgive, you love. And when you love, God’s light shines on you.”
How many times have you thought of revenge? Or do you live with resentment in your heart? Or when you didn’t realize forgiveness is an option?
Now you may not believe in forgiving, but do you believe in giving second chances — be it for people or life?
11. Happiness!
“Happiness is only real when shared.”
That’s one of the most profound Into The Wild Quotes. We chase happiness as if it’s running away from us. But the truth is absolute joy comes when you share and serve.
In the movie, we see Chris dying after writing these golden words. His skin turns pale; his eyes get wet as if he has some realization. Maybe living in the woods would not bring happiness, but a delicate balance will.
Conclusion
So, what do you think of these Into The Wild quotes? Did you like them? If yes, be sure to tell us in the comment box.
Into The Wild is a story that touches on profound aspects of life. It shows us how happiness comes from sharing, how small things matter, and how people are honest and good at heart. It’s a story of hope, inspiring us to take a break from our mundane and monotonous life and give some time to nature.
If You’ve Read Til Now, You’ll Love This: 27 Insanely Deep & Best Travel Quotes Ever (+Pics)
