changes?

I believe Chris may have tried to change people's lives but would have probably been humble about sharing his story. The only reason his story was so famous was because he did not make it. Just like the other men that are famous for not making it out alive. Krakauer is not known for making it out alive... If Chris made it out alive, he definitely would have contacted his parents because after he experienced the most joyful part of life, he was ready to go back to civilization. He would most likely tell them he is sorry for leaving with no notice but that it was something he needed to do. I feel like he would have continued his schooling since he was so good at it and enjoyed gaining more intellect. Overall, I think if Chris would have made it out alive, his story would not have been as believable and therefore nowhere as near as famous.

ignorance is (not so) bliss

Although McCandless wanted to be secluded from society in a place he believed to be uncharted, he should have at least been prepared to change his mind. I think he could have achieved the same exact adventure by bringing the necessary tools for survival even if he did not acknowledge that he had them until he needed them. In case of an emergency, in which he did get himself into, a map would have saved his life. If only he knew that he could have crossed the river or found shelter if he had walked 6 miles from the bus. Even in the condition he was in, the trip would have been possible. Krakauer's method of informing the reader about the possibilities of Chris surviving argues for the people that say that he was an ignorant kid that got himself in over his head. I am still on the side arguing for Chris but these chapters made my position seem weaker. Something as simple as a map would have saved McCandless, and he would have been able to tell his story in person, rather than journal entries.