"I wanted movement ,not a calm course of existence. I wanted excitement and changes, and a chance to sacrifice myself for my love. I felt in myself a superabundance, of energy which found no outlet in our quite life"
-- Le Tolstoy - 'Family Happiness' (highlighted in one of Chris McCandles's remains). - pg 15.
"No man ever followed his genius till it misled him .Though the results were bodily weakness, yet perhaps no one can say that the consequences were to be regretted , for these were a life in conformity to higher principles. If the day and night are such that you greet them with joy , and life emits a fragrance like flowers and sweet-scented herbs, is more elastic , more starry , more immortal - that is your success. All nature is your congratulation, and you have caused momentarily to bless yourself". - Henry David Thoreau (Walden, or Life in the Woods ) - pg 47.
pg 55-57 - real gold advice. Liked it a lot.
The very core a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences and hence there is no greater joy then to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun .. once you become accustomed to such a life you will see its full meaning and its incredible beauty .
You are wrong if you think joy emanates only or principally from human relationships. God has placed it all around us. It is in everything and anything we might experience. We just have to have the courage to turn against our habitual lifestyle and engage in unconventional living.
Don't hesitate or allow yourself to make excuses. Just get out and do it. You will be very very glad that you did it. - pg 58.
"Rather than love, that money, than fame , give me truth. I sat at a table where were rich food and wine in abundance, an obsequious attendance, but sincerity and truth were not; and I went hungry from the inhospitable board. " -- Henry David Thoreau (Walden). - pg 117.
"For children are innocent and love justice; while most of us are wicked and naturally prefer mercy "
-G.K. Chesterton - pg 117.
Starvation is not pleasant way to expire.In advanced stages of famine, as the body begins to consume itself, the victim suffers muscle pain, heart disturbances..some people who have been brought back from starvation ...though , report that near the end the hunger vanishes, the terrible pain dissolves ,and the suffering is replaced by a sublime euphoria, a sense of calm accompanied by transcendent mental clarity - pg 198.
Death's a fierce meadowlark: but to die having made
Something more equal to the centuries
Than muscle and bone, is mostly shed weakness
The mountains are dead stone, the people
Admire or hate their stature , their insolent quietness,
The mountains are not softened or troubled
And a few dead mens;s thoughts have the same temper.
- pg 199.
The entire epilog, wher Billie and Walt (Parents) meet Chris's bus is quite moving .
Loved this book and the movie. Recommended if you like nature and travel writing.
