"McCandless was a narcissist who perished out of arrogance and stupidity - and was undeserving of the considerable media attention he received."

This is only a short answer space. I think there is an argument to be made for Chris to have an emotionally selfish side. His abandonment of family and friends can be examples of this. The rest of your statement is a little exaggerated. Chris was a unique individual that people were drawn to. He was a free-spirit in this world of mass consumerism and external validation through money and possessions. I think calling him arrogant and stupid is harsh and incorrect.

Yes he may have been slightly dim witted but to go as far to say he is a narcissistic person is wrong he had a outlook on life that to the common eye it's stupid and narcissistic but in reality he's no narcissistic person he cared for others along his trip but he was miss guided he didn't get look at the real meaning till the end when he realized how to be truly happy