In 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance', Robert M. Pirsig embarks on a philosophical journey across America, intertwining motorcycle maintenance with deeper questions about life and quality. As he travels with his son, he reflects on the nature of satisfaction and the conflict between technological rationality and human values. The narrative masterfully blends a road trip adventure with profound philosophical explorations, challenging readers to ponder their own definitions of quality. With rich metaphors and contemplative insights, the book invites you to consider the balance between rationality and spirituality. Will you find your own meaning in the art of living?
By Robert M. Pirsig
Published: 2005
"The place where you are right now is critical. If you don’t know where you are, you can’t make a move in the right direction."
A narration of a summer motorcycle trip undertaken by a father and his son, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance becomes a personal and philosophical odyssey into fundamental questions on how to live. The narrator's relationship with his son leads to a powerful self-reckoning; the craft of motorcycle maintenance leads to an austerely beautiful process for reconciling science, religion, and humanism. Resonant with the confusions of existence, this classic is a touching and transcendent book of life. This new edition contains an interview with Pirsig and letters and documents detailing how this extraordinary book came to be. This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.
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“The place where you are right now is critical. If you don’t know where you are, you can’t make a move in the right direction.”
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
By Robert M. Pirsig
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Robert M. Pirsig was an American writer and philosopher, best known for his influential book 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance', published in 1974. This work, which combines a narrative of a motorcycle journey with a philosophical exploration of quality and values, became a bestseller and has been translated into multiple languages. Pirsig's writing style is characterized by a blend of narrative storytelling and philosophical discourse, often questioning the nature of existence and the meaning of quality in both art and life. In 1999, he published 'Lila: An Inquiry into Morals', which further developed his philosophical ideas. Pirsig's profound insights and unique approach to philosophy continue to resonate with readers, making him a pivotal figure in contemporary literature.
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