Based On Instinct
Just like anyone else, he wanted a life of silence, simplicity, and solitude. For a person without much wilderness training, it is not impossible to hurt oneself, die, and starve when left all alone in the woods. During the first two weeks, he crossed the Maine forests by following what his instincts told him. However, he later discovered that innate desire cannot be quelled just like that. That was the reason he resorted to doing crimes.
Based On Instinct
What It Was Like
Knight did not initially plan to stay in the woods, primarily because he was not prepared for what it entailed. He was full of desire to accomplish one thing: to wander around, get lost, and be on his own. He did not have any interest in communicating with other people.
What It Was Like