Lila Book Summary

In 'Lila,' Robert Pirsig embarks on a philosophical journey through the lens of a boat trip on the river, where he encounters a vibrant and enigmatic woman named Lila. As he struggles with the complexities of her unpredictable personality, his reflections dive deep into the nature of quality and the essence of existence. This exploration intertwines metaphysics with the beauty of life’s chaos, challenging readers to rethink their understanding of values and meaning. The narrative oscillates between personal introspection and broader philosophical dialogues, inviting intrigue at every turn. How do we define quality in our lives, and what does it mean to truly understand ourselves through the wildness of others?

By Robert Pirsig

Published: 1992

"The real tragedy is that we can only live in one moment at a time."

Book Review of Lila

The author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance examines life's essential issues as he recounts the journey down the Hudson River in a sailboat of his philosopher-narrator Phaedrus.

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The real tragedy is that we can only live in one moment at a time.

Lila

By Robert Pirsig