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Loading... Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values (P.S.) (original 1974; edition 2008)by Robert M. Pirsig
Work InformationZen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values by Robert M. Pirsig (Author) (1974)
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. This book is a fantastic philosophical read, from start to finish. It combines both scientific and artistic schools of thought and is explained deeply in a way that makes sense to the reader, while also presenting a physical narrative of a journey and the relationship between the narrator and his son. Pirsig's unification of technological and spiritual ways of thought speaks to me and appears important, particularly for someone in the field of IT as I am. The narrative is brilliantly framed in the reality of his 1968 motorcycle trip, and the recurring idea of heights (with Pirsig discussing going "up" or "down" in the hierarchy of ideas he means to discuss; with the ups and downs of the motorcycle trip itself; with the The appendices feature a correspondence between Pirsig and his editor, James Landis, where one of Landis' memos notes that George Steiner, a brilliant academic and literary critic, hailed the book as a "very major work;" Landis states that it would come as one of the most important books of their time in the early 70s. I cannot help but agree and solidly recommend this to any who wish to gain a broader spiritual and philosophical perspective that applies not only to technology but to the act of living itself.
One is tempted to call the book a psychomelodrama, for Pirsig's intentions are as extravagant as his themes. The attempt to triumph over madness, suicide, death in the self, of his son, for our world, by means of the patient exploration of ideas and emotions is certainly an extravagant ambition. That he succeeds in finding a plausible catharsis through such an enterprise seems to me sufficient reward for the author's perseverance, and ample testimony to his honesty and courage. Whatever it's true philosophical worth, it is intellectual entertainment of the highest order. Belongs to Publisher SeriesFischer Taschenbuch (2020) InspiredHas as a reference guide/companionHas as a studyHas as a student's study guideNotable Lists
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. This is an elemental work that has helped to shape and define the past twenty-five years of American culture. This special audio edition presents this adventure in a compelling 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. No library descriptions found.
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The duality of both technical thinking and artistic thinking continues to exist in our world - and I do believe that they can harmonize. It brings to mind the way Steve Jobs synthesized these approaches in the computer world. ( )