Glass has a different perspective on the frontier than most: he's been on both sides of the equation. As a result, he not only understands the local tribes more than his pale peers, but he also empathizes with them to a much large degree. He has Kicking Bull to thank for that.

Although Glass still has ties to civilization, he finds himself drawn to the wild frontier like a moth to a flame. It's not that he loves doing outdoorsy stuff. It's not that he's running away from his real life. It's not even about the money. On its most basic level, Glass's love for nature is a reflection of his love for freedom.

Glass isn't in all that much pain following the bear attack. Sure, it hurt like Hades when it was happening, but his body pretty much went numb halfway through. Still, we see here that the psychological and mental effects of the attack can be just as disorienting.