Chris McCandless began calling himself Alex, specifically Alexander Supertramp, as a powerful demonstration of his profound desire for independence from his past and a deliberate effort to create an entirely new identity.
This name change was not a casual decision but a fundamental step in his journey to reinvent himself and live life on his own terms. His adoption of "Alex" symbolized a break from the societal norms and personal history he sought to escape.
The Purpose Behind a New Identity
Chris's transformation into "Alex" was driven by several core aspirations:
- Seeking Autonomy and Freedom: By abandoning his given name, Chris aimed to sever ties with the life he had known, which he perceived as restrictive and inauthentic. This act represented his pursuit of ultimate freedom and self-reliance, distancing himself from family expectations and societal pressures.
- Embracing a New Self: He earnestly hoped that adopting a new identity would allow him to become a fundamentally new person. This reinvention was central to his philosophical quest for an unburdened existence, allowing him to forge a path dictated solely by his own principles.
- Symbolic Renunciation of the Past: Accompanying the name change were other significant actions that underscored his commitment to this new beginning:
- He burned his Social Security Card, a clear rejection of his official legal identity and a severing of ties with governmental systems.
- He gave up most of his possessions, embracing a minimalist and transient lifestyle that further distanced him from materialism and conventional society.
These actions collectively underscored Chris McCandless's deep-seated yearning for an authentic, independent existence, leading him to shed his former self in favor of "Alex Supertramp."