Wasted Training

"Nuance, strategy, and anything beyond the rudimentary of technique were wasted on Chris. The only way he cared to tackle a challenge was head on, right now, applying the full brunt of his extraordinary energy" (Krakauer 111).

Inspiration or Fool?

Though Chris McCandless' high energy approach to problem solving is quite admirable, the lack of effort he put in trying to refine his technique in any way is not. Although having the energy is certainly required in order to complete an objective, being able to effectively use that energy is what allows someone to complete that goal efficiently and have energy left over for the other tasks that needed to be done. His reluctance to slow down and analyze the situation he was in, or is going to be in, cost him his life in Alaska, as his death could likely have been prevented by properly preparing before heading out, which was not done due to a variety of reasons, including his unwillingness to stop and think before acting. As a result, I have to say that even though his desire to solve problems is commendable, the uncalculated way he goes about trying to come up with a solution is what makes him a fool.