Almost every magazine piece I've ever written, I felt like I haven't done it justice, like it was just a gloss.

To the contrary: His life hummed with meaning and purpose. But the meaning he wrested from existence lay beyond the comfortable path: McCandless distrusted the value of things that came easily.

Mountains make poor receptacles for dreams.

The sea's only gifts are harsh blows, and occasionally the chance to feel strong. Now I don't know much about the sea, but I do know that that's the way it is here. And I also know how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong but to feel strong. To measure yourself at least once. To find yourself at least once in the most ancient of human conditions. Facing the blind death stone alone, with nothing to help you but your hands and your own head.

Some people feel like they don't deserve love. They walk away quietly into empty spaces, trying to close the gaps of the past.

I'm intrigued by fanatics - people who are seduced by the promise, or the illusion, of the absolute.

Its not always necessary to be strong, but to feel strong.