If you've ever read Robert M. Pirsig's book, it probably took you a few times and some effort to read it all the way through; to grasp the many concepts, characters and finally the author's pursuit of the definition of "Quality". The book, loosely uses motorcycle maintenance as analogies and metaphors to allow Pirsig the convoluted tail of a ride with his son. At least, that's how the book drew me in, as I suspect many other motorcyclists were attracted to the title as well.
Photo courtesy of The new Cafe (racer) Society where I found out about the online version of the book
Click on the photo above to go to the online version of Pirsigs book.
This book has had a profound effect on many people. Some of these have tried to follow and replicate the motorcycle ride that Robert Pirsig and his son did. The ride is the vehicle by which the author communicates the mental struggles and questions he was dealing with during the trip and afterwards.
One of these Pirsig fans has a site to help you discover more about Quality, the book and here's the best part, a guide to the route taken by Pirsig as documented by other riders.
ZMM Quality's host, Professor Henry Gurr does an outstanding job of providing information for riders who wish to ride the route taken by Pirsig. He also offers links and information to help a reader to perhaps understand more fully the work of Pirsig. It's well worth your visit if concepts written about in Pirsig's "culture-bearing" book have so far escaped you in terms of understanding them. I know I sure have questions about some of the stuff Pirsig wrote!
Robert M. Pirsig and his son Chris, during that famous ride. Photo courtesy of ZMMQ
Link to the ZMMQ or Zen and the art of Motorcycle Maintenance Quality.
So, click on the first photo, there's the book for you to read online.
3 comments:
I read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance while in college. Before reading the book, I never rode a motorcycle. After reading the story, I knew that riding would be an important aspect of my life. Great post and thanks for the information...
I really enjoyed the book but had to read it about 4 times in the last 30 years. I just finished Mark Richardson's book "Zen and Now" and I think it is a great follow up to Prisig's book. He followed the same route and includes some additional info on Prisig but it really is a story of his trip.
Thanks for the links. May have to spend some time there.
Just finished the book for the first time. Thoroughly enjoyed parts of it, other parts I need to ponder on for awhile. Maybe a long while.
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