What is the main idea of "Hatchet"?

Hatchet's main idea is: through perseverance and common sense, anyone can survive and even thrive. Had Brian become overly panicked and succumb to hopelessness, he undoubtedly would have died, much like the Chechaquo in "To Build a Fire." However, Brian's journey of self-discovery is replete with ideal examples of  positive self-talk and the continuing train of thought that, no matter what, everything would turn out okay in the end. His survival experience opens his mind and matures him as a person and character.