His goal is not isolationism. It is no surprise that excerpts from Thoreau were found highlighted with Chris's belongings after his death. Perhaps this is where the similarities between Mr. Thoreau and Mr. McCandless part ways. Thoreau clearly understood the inevitability of social conventions. Wishing only to educate the general public on the importance of purposeful living and the value of mind and spirit over possessions or class. McCandless, however, feels so disappointed in society, in his parents, in life that his goal of getting lost in Alaska to find himself has taken on an almost fetishistic quality. Unlike Thoreau, Nature became Christopher's ultimate goal. Therefore Chris chooses to renounce society rather than attempt to influence it in any way