This lyrical, evocative, thought-provoking journal of a man's quest for truth -- and for himself -- has touched and changed an entire generation. At its heart, the story is all too simple: a man and his son take a lengthy motorcycle trip through America. But this is not a simple trip at all, for around every corner, through mountain and desert, wind and rain, and searing heat and biting cold, their pilgrimage leads them to new vistas of self-discovery and renewal. "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" is an elemental ...
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This lyrical, evocative, thought-provoking journal of a man's quest for truth -- and for himself -- has touched and changed an entire generation. At its heart, the story is all too simple: a man and his son take a lengthy motorcycle trip through America. But this is not a simple trip at all, for around every corner, through mountain and desert, wind and rain, and searing heat and biting cold, their pilgrimage leads them to new vistas of self-discovery and renewal. "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" is an elemental work that had helped to shape and define the past twenty-five years of American culture. This special audio edition presents this adventure in an exciting new way -- for the millions who have already taken this journey and want to travel these roads again, and for the many more who will discover for the first time the wonders and challenges of a journey that will change the way they think and feel about their lives.
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An oldie book that I read many years ago and just reread . Sort of a classic, to me at least (has been through 25 printings). A book about one man's search for "Quality" and how it drove him crazy (he has a 170 IQ). Set in a motorcycle trip with his son across America, from Minnesota to the Pacific. Hard to believe, but when you finish, you'll be glad you read it.
Jongo
Apr 3, 2009
The Zen of criticism
In this book, Pirsig challenges American universities and the origins of western thought (Plato & Aristotle); arguably he tears the mansion of western thought down to its foundation. As he searches for "quality" his journey takes him to insanity and beyond. Similar to Thoreau's Walden, this book is dense and a slow read; the subject matter is not light. This book is a key point in both American Literature and American Thought. Oh, did I mention that his philosophical journey is paralleled by a motorcycle trip the narrator is taking with his young son?
A great book, Pirsig is a decent writer and a transcendent thinker.
gregory731
Nov 13, 2008
One of My Top 5
I first read this book as a recent college graduate when it came out in the 70's. I understood less of it then than I think I understand now. It is compelling for the author's internal dialogue and honesty. Pirsig traces his life's journey, including the management of mental illness, his troubled children, his rocky marriage, and his struggle with his life work, by analogy to the joys and mishaps of riding across the American Northwest on his motorcyle. He rarely, if ever, mentions Zen, which is the best way for the reader to experience it, but Zen is the energizing power behind his story telling and the philosophical framework of the quest. I have re-read it now at least a half dozen times. As I have grown older it has clarified more and more of my own quests and joys in work, family, spiritual questions and answers. It has been central in framing my view of reality. The first edition copy I found on Alibris is nearly perfect and is a treasure in my library. I recommend this work as a classic, and as a friend to return to every few years. It is worth the intellectual stretch it may take to grasp the author's philosophical dialogue. I would love to be able to encounter it for the first time again.
Swede
Oct 25, 2007
Well worth my time
A book to read a few pages, then ponder, read a few then ponder. Not one to be rushed through. Lots of insights.
