A New Conclusion

The wilderness is a remarkable place, both physical and metaphysical. It exists in multiple planes of existence, and can be entered through many different ways. Shamans segregate themselves while human allomothers try to bond with elephants. Explorers like McCandless emerge themselves within the wilderness in hopes of restoring some life and meaning into their monotonous daily routine. Unfortunately, humans’ connection to nature or the wilderness has deteriorated over the years. We have frayed the entirety of the planet, destroying forests and habitats, as well as leading many species of animals to extinction. Abram asks “how, that is, have we become so deaf and so blind to the vital existence of other species, and to the animate landscapes they inhabit, that we now so casually bring about their destruction?” (21) The simple answer is that humans are egotistical and when no careful thought is put into an action, we hurt someone else. Although it does satisfy Abram’s question, it does not explain what the wilderness is, and how it relates to the destruction of the land and many species. The wilderness, as a physical place, is anywhere that remains unscathed by human society. It is not a national park or someone’s back yard. There are very few places left on the Earth that meet this requirement, but these places let people, such as David Abram, have what is similar to an out of body experience. As a metaphysical place, it is a plane of mutual understanding. One example is McCandless coming to an understanding with nature that he has to really make an effort to survive. Although nature is not a person or an animal, it still needs to be understood by humans in order to coexist and truly survive on this planet. The prime example of the wilderness as a metaphysical plane is the human allomother. They are truly the makings of a new transpecies culture, where families extend beyond just one race. This is the future, where every species has an understanding of one another and each other’s needs. In order to understand another, one has to be at a peaceful or a calm state of mind, without prejudice or affectations from his or her environment; it essentially is a pure state of mind. Although it sounds difficult, the wilderness is attainable, as it is something that everyone is born with.