Authentic Life Essay

In the Pursuit of an Authentic Life In many aspects of life, people look for some kind of meaning to have a purpose to live. Some people take their life journeys seriously, but others may take a turn in the opposite direction. A person such as Ivan Illyich lives a mediocre life, that does not give true happiness. However, Chris McCandless, an adventurous person that had the pleasure of traveling around the western territories of North America. Living a full and happy life means a lot to people, or people enjoy living a cookie-cutter life that is premade for them. For Ivan Illyich, a life of appeasing his wife with objects and working to give more to his family. Unfortunately, Ivan tried to do his best to get more money in a higher up position, but his was was never satisfied and thankful for what Ivan was able to provide for his family. Authenticity is found when one understands that his or her own life is guided by oneself because without any knowledge or comprehension one would believe that

Ivan Illyich lived a life of judgment at home and at work, but did not stray off once displeased with his life. There were many instances in which his wife would blame Ivan for doing something that he had no control over, such as his kids dying at such a young age and not earning enough money. Ivan was deeply upset that two of his children had died at a young age, but did not understand why his wife would blame him for the death of the two children. Also, Ivan worked endless hours to get a promotion and to earn more money for his family. Nevertheless, Praskovya, his wife, was never happy with the money Ivan had earned, she had to have a new house or a new something to show that she was wealthy. Since his wife was so selfless to a point where Ivan did not feel welcome in his own home, he had worked countless hours that his work had consumed