Changez’ failed persistence to fit in and adopt the American culture causes him to waste many years of his life as an outsider. Likewise, it is only Jim’s willingness to change to causes him to gain acceptance in the American culture, although it is clear that he too is an outcast in his own unique way. Erica is consumed by her nostalgic past, and chooses to distance herself from society in order to live in her nostalgic past. While Changez works tirelessly to be accepted as an American, he is only ever recognised as an outsider. Changez’ continual determination shows us that he is never accepted by those around him.
He presents the traditional, wholesome and non-violent values of the Amish in stark contrast to the selfish, consumer driven materialism of the ‘English’ society and the violent associated with it. Weir shows how peaceful and natural the Amish world is in the opening scene. Long-panning shots of the corn fields are shown to be peaceful and serene, glittering like an ocean in the breeze, this represents their simple, peaceful and natural way of life. Music in the opening scene is soft, soothing and calming which also emphasises the peaceful and simplistic lifestyle of the Amish and highlights the differences between the Amish and the ‘English’ way of life. Long shot of the Amish standing in a line slowly walking up the hill makes the audience to think that as if they came from the centre of earth, which contributes to the idea that they are peaceful, natural and belongs to the rural land, standing in a line and wearing the same styled and coloured clothing shows conformity and unity in their community.
Transcendentalism was an American literary and philosophical movement that broke the rules of society. It believed in simplicity and self-reliance and viewed nature as a source of inspiration and learning. Chris McCandless’ life, viewed in the movie Into the Wild, shows an attempt to fulfill the transcendentalist beliefs and ideas. After graduating, inspired by transcendentalists like Thoreau and Emerson, McCandless decides that he cannot live in the city with the pressure of society and even his family, so he goes away. He gets rid of his credit cards, money and car and starts backpacking throughout the United States, letting life take him wherever it wants while learning and experiencing new things.
Gary wants to break away from poverty and keep the next generation out of working in the fields or factories. The thought of having such a life like his parents made him scared and he overcame all of it as he explains in his book. Gary also, writes about the power television had on his siblings and on himself helps him to be where he is now. He is poet and enjoys life with his wife and
The main building is rather small but it feels very inviting and warm. The colors used inside the church are a neutral palette of choices. This makes one feel quite welcome. All of the windows are stained glass with reds, greens, yellows, and blues. The shapes of the windows are of spades.
A person like Chris McCandless who has everything in the world is still unsatisfied on what is around him. He has family, money and a great education that will soon be his great future but he thinks that everything related to wealth is sinful. Chris made a journey to search for the true meaning of life and escaped it pressures. He also tried to travel by using his instincts in life by living naturally without other's aide. Whereas he helped people suffering of hunger by donating all of his college money, he forgot to help himself.
Many believe McCandless was indeed selfish, because McCandless abandoned his family to quench his own selfish thirst. In retrospect McCandless family dynamic was not peaches and cream. McCandless was pushed toward transcendentalism, when the families’ secrets where unveiled. McCandless’ father essentially fathered two families, which drove McCandless to the conclusion, that his life had been one big lie. In retaliation of abuse and deception, McCandless fled to find truth.
I like to come when there is plenty of seating room because it's easier to meditate if I have space to myself. For serious meditation, I like not having anyone directly on either side of me and Sunday was perfect for this. It was not crowded at all, but there are people here. The last thing around the lake that you can see; It is a museum, and a gift shop; The museum was tiny, but features some fascinating artifacts from Yogananda’s life including an inscribed copy of his book and photos of him with important spiritual leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, and there was a hand painting work from Iran that I felt so proudly when I saw that. When your journey around the lake ends, you will see 106 steps which lead up to the newer temple where the holds meditations, meetings, prayer circles and study groups.
Kids raced go carts and motor scooters up and down the street, careful to avoid the horse dung left from one of the neighbor taking their steed for a ride. For those who didn’t have their own personal basketball goal, there was a full court and tennis court only a short walk away at the park.
I can smell the trees and the flowering shrubs as a gentle wind blows them my way. As I head outside through the basement door, I see about seven ants speeding across the sidewalk like little hot wheel race cars. When they make it to the end of the sidewalk, the ants disappear into the rather lengthy, thick, green, grass. Compared to the size of the ants, the grass looks like the Giant Sequoia trees of the Sequoia National Park. This would not be a good time to cut the grass due to the fact that it is still damp from yesterday’s heavy rain.