Robert Pirsig Forum

Robert Pirsig

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this book is great, although its hard to understand, but i loved it!

>>By wolfpack 2002 (Saturday, 25 Jan 2003 19:17)

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is by far one of the most influential text I've read in sometime. It has been a beacon of thought that has helped me navigate through the realm of self-inquiry. I think this text should be partaken for those that are troubled with a dilemma of identity. I have gained a greater understanding of my role in western society. Thou, I do warn that timing is important when reading this book. I found that it had greater meaning the second time I read it. The key I found to the timing was to read it when recovering from a major person crisis. Sorry, alittle long winded but I felt that this might be of us to other.

>>By James (Saturday, 25 Jan 2003 19:17)

two words: total resonance !

>>By Nikodemus (Sunday, 9 Feb 2003 15:05)

I have read the books atleast 10 times and everytime I read it,I discover something new about myself.This book has helped me to understand myself and the world around me better.It has been a positive influence in my life.I look upto the book,whenever I encounter a personal problem.It has has indeed changed the way I think about life.

>>By Shamsudeen Mustafa (Saturday, 15 Feb 2003 20:42)

he should have ran for president!

>>By jerry (Wednesday, 16 Jul 2003 16:12)

I'll second (or third) the above comments about reading it the multiple times and getting more out of it each time. I first read it at last 25 years ago, and picked it up again about 10 years later, then again 5 years after that, then again last year. I should have it memorized by this time of course, but I think that as I change, I read it differently each time. It is perhaps the best discourse on "quality" I have come across. Somehow, however, his other book "Lila" didn't click with me at all. I'm not sure why.

>>By Mars (Monday, 26 Jan 2004 20:52)

Mars, I can understand your comments about Lila. I had a similar experience reading it. I quite like Zen etc. but all through Lila I was waiting for a similar 'click'. It just didn't come. Perhaps because the picture we get of Pirsig (or the fictional main character, whatever) is not so likeable anymore. Perhaps because he seems to be touring his own private universe for the sake of touring it and staying in it, not for the sake of understanding and connecting to others. I don't know ... It's been a while since I read it, but that's the emotional imprint it left with me. I might be miles off, though.
What do you think?

The only thing that sometimes tires me about Pirsig is that he so desperately needs to EXPLAIN everything. Some things are just better left BEING. You have to live them, not analyse them. Analysis can contribute to our understanding of ourselves and the world, I agree. But like poetry life holds certain moments that are better left untouched by words or (abstract) thought. At least, that's how I feel ...

>>By Aywin (Tuesday, 27 Jan 2004 16:11)

Lila left me cold...I thnk so only because I wanted it to live up to Zen and the Art....

>>By Al C (Friday, 30 Jan 2004 00:10)

Try Finite and Infinite Games by Carse. And just a little side note here for Al C. I always always always read anything another somewhat intelligent reader on these boards posts so I did google the poet Pat Fargnoli and to my genuine dissapointment got nothing. But if anyone here liked Zen and wants to take it a step further read Carse's paperback. Its a nice road to travel. Its one huge metaphor but still has some value.

>>By noname1 (Friday, 30 Jan 2004 05:41)

go to amazon...Fargnoli's book is there. She as a second out now I believe. If not, I'll write her and you can buy one direct if you wish.

>>By Al C (Friday, 30 Jan 2004 11:07)

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