Philip Toshio Sudo (1959–2002)

[July 1, 2000] I didn't like "Zen Computer" at all. This, coming from someone who found Sudo's "Zen Guitar" a very interesting and enlightening book. I have read a lot of books on Zen and have worked with computers extensively for many years. After reading this book, I feel like I haven't learned anything new about either Zen or computers. Or about not letting the occasional difficulties caused by computers to get to me. It seemed like this book couldn't make up its mind: was it a book on show more Zen set in a computer context, or was it a book on computers set in a Zen context? Perhaps the appropriate answer is "yes". I had anticipated something as least as informative and profound as "Zen Guitar", but that was not the case. Much of what I read seemed trite, even so silly at times I wondered if Sudo was trying to be humorous and I was taking it all too seriously. I strongly recommend "Zen Guitar" instead of "Zen Computer". At least in "Zen Guitar" the principles of Zen more naturally come forth because playing a guitar or any musical instrument is an art, and touches us in deep ways. I believe there can be mystery behind technology and its use, but that didn't come out in "Zen Computer". For anyone wanting to read about *that*, I recommend "Techgnosis" by Erik Davis. show less

Interesting perspective on how to approach guitar playing, many of the teachings in this book can be applied not only to music but any other endeavor in life. This is the kind of book that I would probably carry with my guitar, since reading any of the chapters at any given time can be enlightening and bring refreshing inspiration.

The quotes that open each chapter are really nice, I believe this book is an interesting read for anyone in music, let it be professionally, hobbyist, or just a show more beginner. show less

I'm not sure I took away anything of substance from this. Honestly this book is basically taking the most generic aspects of a self help book, compiling it, and making it guitar themed. You could take out the word "guitar" from the book and replace it with anything and the book would still make sense. It's generic garbage, honestly.

Super easy to read though, so at least there's that.

A year ago when I tried to read this, I rolled my eyes and tossed it back in the shelf.

This time, I found it I be a witty and creative approach to any creative craft - guitar, sure; painting, writing, singing, all would benefit from this approach to lifelong learning.