The New Man, Episodes Five and Six: Into the Wild, Combat and Facing Death

So, beyond the identity level satisfaction of joining the military, a fraternity or corporation there's the other piece about venturing into "the wild". This could be literal, as in the film Into the Wild or metaphorical -- meaning, into our own hearts and minds. In this episode we talk about what happens to a man when he faces death or risks his life "just to feel something." Combat in Iraq, working on a fishing boat in the cold North Pacific, BASE jumping. Is it really adrenaline we seek? I believe it is more. For some, being close to death reminds us that we're alive and gives us meaning in a world designed to keep us distracted. Jayson Gaddis and I continue our conversation here.