Ralph Waldo Emerson is known as the father of transcendentalism. Chris McCandless, the protagonist of Into the Wild is known as one of the greatest followers of transcendentalism. Chris and Emerson have many similarities. Both of their beliefs and actions simply show how similar they are. It also shows in the writings of Emerson and Chris that they are similar. Chris Mccandless and Ralph Waldo Emerson are similar in the way they see the importance of nature, in the way they tried to search, to find their identity and in their views on independence. Chris McCandless and Ralph Waldo Emerson believed in the five Is of transcendentalism. Both used all five Is of transcendentalism in their life adventures. The first self of transcendentalism is believed to be the most important to Chris McCandless and Ralph Waldo Emerson, individualism. Chris and Ralph saw themselves as individuals. Chris McCandless knew he didn't need his family to live. He didn't think he needed the basic needs of society at all. Chris also didn't like being around people for a long period of time, this is what led him to go on trips. Chris believing he was an individual took him on the trip to Alaska. Emerson's individualism led him to realize that he was a poet. He was also known as a champion of individualism. The next self is intuition, deemed important by Emerson. I don't think Chris had any intuition, however Emerson claims that intuition is the primary wisdom of life. The third self of transcendentalism is imagination. During the trip to Alaska, Chris used his imagination to overcome it. He had to invent ways to get food. Emerson used imagination in his writings and speeches. The last two of the five I's are idealism and inspiration. Chris used idealism and inspiration... in the center of the card... are the parents, or materialistic elements. The search for his independence is what led Chris to his adventure in Alaska. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote “Self-Reliance,” an essay in which he stated how he believed people should be self-reliant. He also outlined the steps to become independent. In his essay he states: “Trust yourself: every heart vibrates on that iron string.” (Emerson). Emerson also believes in nonconformists and states that all men should become nonconformists. "Whoever wants to be a man must be a nonconformist." (Emerson). Chris McCandless and Ralph Waldo Emerson are true followers of transcendentalism. They include all the concepts in their life every day. Both are certain that they must use all the concepts. Including the five I's of transcendentalism, how they see nature, how they tried to search, find their identity and finally their independence..