At first glance, “To Build a Fire” by Jack London seems like a generic story about the suffering and unfortunate setbacks that a man and his dog encounter on their journey through the Yukon wilderness. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that this story not only chronicles one man's journey through the Yukon wilderness with his dog, but also pits instinct against knowledge and how each they can affect one's ability to survive in the wilderness. The protagonist, an unnamed man, has great scientific knowledge but does not know how to use his knowledge, especially in crucial moments. The minor character, however, a wolfdog, has no scientific knowledge but has a survival instinct that directs his actions and keeps him alive. Throughout history, there are many cases where the dog's actions show that natural instinct is superior to human knowledge. From human progress it is possible to determine exact measurements. Temperature, degree of frost, weather and much more can be precisely determined and measured. While knowing specific measurements can be very helpful in determining the best way to survive in the wilderness, not knowing the meaning behind the numbers can ultimately lead to death. The main character of this story has great knowledge of the temperature and degree of frost in his surroundings. He knows he is currently walking in fifty degrees below zero. He knows that fifty degrees below zero means about eighty degrees of freezing. You may feel cold and experience discomfort. But he doesn't understand what 50 degrees below zero means nor does he understand the importance of what he feels. Unable to grasp the fact that fifty degrees below zero is not walking weather...... middle of paper ......ss. Even in matters of life and death, man is unable to put his knowledge together and save himself, while the dog can rely on his instincts to take him back to where people will provide him with food and warmth. Instead, the dog reveals that it is better equipped to survive in the harsh wilderness due to its instincts and its ability to follow its instincts towards safety and life. This story demonstrates that not knowing how to incorporate knowledge into everyday life is dangerous and leads to risky behavior that can result in death. In these cases, Jack London demonstrates that knowledge is not enough to survive. Knowledge must be understood and meaning realized for knowledge to help one survive. Otherwise, instinct is a much better resource for survival. Works CitedEnglish Book - "To Build a Fire" by Jack London