RIP Robert M. Pirsig

"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti) 04/24/2017 at 23:07 • Filed to: None

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“To live only for some future goal is shallow. It’s the sides of the mountain that sustain life, not the top.” -Robert M. Pirsig

https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/04/24/books/robert-pirsig-dead-wrote-zen-and-the-art-of-motorcycle-maintenance.html

“The study of the art of motorcycle maintenance is really a miniature study of the art of rationality itself. Working on a motorcycle, working well, caring, is to become part of a process, to achieve an inner peace of mind. The motorcycle is primarily a mental phenomenon.”

lone_liberal > DipodomysDeserti 04/24/2017 at 23:21

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I think that was the only book I read for a philosophy class that I enjoyed.

RacinBob > DipodomysDeserti 04/24/2017 at 23:56

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As somebody that graduated from high school in ‘74, I thought it was a great read. Small things learned; I learned that a beer can tab makes a great BMW handlebar clamp shim. I have both his books today.

My dad who was born within a year of Persig and owned a Honda 305 Dream like his in the picture. I was probably born about the same year as his son.

Have you taught quality today? Sleep well Phaedrus.

Chuckles > DipodomysDeserti 04/24/2017 at 23:57

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I’ve tried and failed at reading that book 3 times. I was too young when I tried. The travel sections were great but I struggled with some of his lessons. Maybe I’ll try again.

RallyWrench > DipodomysDeserti 04/25/2017 at 00:42

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Noooooooo!! RIP Phaedrus.  

I admit it took me a couple tries to appreciate my thoroughly dog-eared copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, but it’s a helluva thing. I think the first time I approached it too much from a mechanical standpoint, expecting the topic to actually be motorcycles, when I had already decided my prior JC philosophy class was bullshit. It’s been about 10 years, I think I’m due for a reread.

Hammerdown > Chuckles 04/25/2017 at 12:42

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I tried a couple of years ago and had the same issue. Planning to try again this summer.

JEM > DipodomysDeserti 04/25/2017 at 15:53

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Damnit. RIP indeed. I love this book and really need to re-read it.