For those who are unfamiliar with philosophy, this is a very accesible book with some nice insights.
It reads like a train (although you might want to pause once in a while to think about some paragraphs).

It is a bit outdated, and I have some personal remarks concerning a few topics.

This was a thought provocing and very enjoyable read. Although it isn't "action packed" or anything, that isn't the point. The author's naration tells the tale of his philosophical journey cross country with his son on his motorcyle. Not only was this book inspirational, but provides new insight in terms of how one sees the world around them. A must read!

I re-read this book after about 15 years and enjoyed it just as much as the first time, but I got something different out of it this time too.

This book has a great calming effect on me. It's so interesting on so many subjects, and so accesssible. This is such a relevent read.

Despite the high brow reviews by self proclaiming philosophers and intellectuals who think this is a book about philosophy, it is not. It is also not a "how to" manual on maintaining a motorcycles.
This is a book about overcoming intellectualism and becoming whole. If you are contemplating reading this book please disregard the reviewers who flex their imaginary philosophical and intellectual muscle and just read it. Yes, there will be parts that seem to endlessly pursue some thought or idea but by the end of this book you will be very glad and satisfied you read it.
...of course if you have ever ridden a motorcycle, experienced the landscapes temperature changes, sounds and elements and/or struggled with and beat mental illness this book will take on a special dimension.

I agree with many of the other one-star reviews, this is actually the worst book I have ever read, out of thousands read, in my entire life. The worst book designation goes to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance because it is extremely, extremely, over-rated. I found it to be one of the most self-absorbed, self-pitying, whining complaints I had ever been exposed to - and I know about those, because I'm a former junior high school teacher.

Not only did it not contain any philosophical insights whatsoever, the book is just plain boring and badly written. The only book I have ever thrown in the garbage can - it's just rubbish, and that's where it belongs. I'm sure the author is a fine human being. I just think he wrote a very, very, bad book. Please don't waste your time on this book.

Reading it is like catching a bug between your teeth at 70 miles an hour. Surprise at first, then comprehension. A belated thanks to Mr. Pirsig for weaving philosophy, science, engineering, and fatherhood, into an insightful and compelling read.

Thought provoking,
I understand this book was used in many philosophy classes for many years.
It was fun to listen to durring my commute to work.
Being a motorcycle rider, I found it eseptionaly easy to relate to.
Everytime I was getting lost in the mediphisics, the author would get back to the original story to bring back my intrest.
Very well written.
Ernie K. Rivewrside, ca.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is perhaps the most tedious, pedantic, tiresome, misleading, and intellectually-barren book I have ever had the misfortune of reading. Perhaps the worst thing about this self-absorbed, unreadable rant is that on every page, Persig seems compelled to draw attention away from his text's lack of substance by providing countless misrepresentations of all the great philosophers. Not only does he use language that is dry and uninteresting, but he incorrectly describes nearly all of the philosophers and philosophical systems that he mentions.
Pirsig's book is nothing more than adolescent rambling. On every page, Pirsig arrogantly and vainly tries to portray himself as some kind of synthesis of erudite Western scholar meets wise Eastern sage. Nothing could be further from the truth. One of the most despicable aspects of his pedestrian work of pseudo-philosophical tripe is that he uses his own quasi-philosophical terminology to describe concepts that could better be represented using the terminology of existing systems. He constantly tries to reinvent many philosophical terms, and then misuses other terms. The result is a most confusing and convoluted read, especially if you are already versed in philosophy. Perhaps the saddest thing about Pirsig's mock-literary atrocity is that many people seem to regard Pirsig's arrogant tirade as an introduction to philosophy. Nothing could be further from the truth. The book could potentially serve as a dull introduction to pathetic, narcissistic, schizophrenic authors who manage, through some quirk of fate, to achieve popularity, but that's about it...

My father read the book when he was 25 and said it changed his life. I read the book only last year, at 25 as well. It changed my life too, and my perceptions of it. It's a very brilliant piece of work, with such astute commentaries on society, philosophy, and yes, quality. Unfortunately, the title, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, is hard for people to get at first. One friend of mine even thought I was reading manual to learn how to fix motorcycles. But I don't know what else I'd call it.

I bought this book because it was required by my English lit teacher!! Required reading!! Anyways, I didn't enjoy this book at all. Not my type, definitely.
But if you are interested in reading this book, just remember, this is one book that you can judge by its cover. It's about exactly what the title indicates. Kind of a novel/bio about a man who gets into motorcycles and becomes philosophical about them. A little bit creepy, not too interesting and even some steamy scenes.
Weird...
and not worth my time.

Although this book requires a bit of reflection (so is therefore not a fast read) it provides a great explanation of ZEN philosophy - the key points summarized are: Western Philosophy = What is right vs wrong, Easter Philosophy = what is best. Also, the author explores at length the concept of "quality" and the idea that things that are good (that is, of high quality) originate from within, and is not something that can be "taught". When something is good (music, book, art) the consumer (listener, reader, perceiver) simply knows that it is good (that of high quality). I know this sounds overly simple, but when explored at length these concepts can change the way you perceive everything.

I read this book as a fairly impressionable teenager when it first was published. My generation took it to its heart because it mirrored a feeling that we knew which way the cookie crumbled but we also knew instinctively which way it ought to crumble. I wrote naively to Mr. Persig and my letter came back to me with his cryptic comments, handwritten, dotted over the pages, but at least he took the time to respond. One of my questions was: does each individual HAVE to embark on their own journey and travel their own road in order to learn these (in the book)lessons? and his enigmatic answer was "yes and no" - so maybe that places him up there with Grasshopper's mentor. I've travelled a long road since then but I still dip into its pages. I see things differently but the ideas remain valid.

Quite apart from the ideas in the book, the guy can write and so reading English expresed in a unique, compelling style is a rewarding experience in itself.

I wanted a newer edition because it has a new foreword where Pirsig clarifies a couple of issues. A must read book for those who wish a little or a lot of enlightenment. I also have it on CD, and every time I listen to it, something new surfaces. So profound yet very easy to read and follow.

In listening to this audio, one gets a good sense of the author's pursuit of the truth.

Through motorcyling with his son Chris and friends in the midwest, they encounter within themselves and others, thoughts, feelings and truths that might never have been discovered.

The challenge of this kind of trip forces you to look inward for strength, determination and trust. You become your own best friend.

As the author moves onto the philosophy of life and being, he has done some serious introspective. So much so that he has become at times delusional and out of step with society, which he blames for many of the problems that he is facing as well as others on this path.

One has to agree with the author that our western society has made it almost impossible for one to follow his/her own path. There are so many distractions along the way, which makes it easy for one to falter. This is one good reason that many have turned to the eastern religions for a more balanced spirit.

The author moves forward with the help of his son Chris.

I didn't read this book when it first came out to rave reviews. Something about all that enthusiasm with no substance behind it made me wary, and rightly so, it seems.

The narrator is a condescending, pompous egotist and I pity his son and his long-suffering friends who got dragged along into this anti-climactic non-dark non-heart of non-darkness.

I am now glad I actual slogged through this book for one reason only. It now solidifies my belief that if a book is getting god awful no matter HOW much of it I have read, I should quit. I wish I did that after the first 100 pages.

Pirsig's novel contains so many things that make reading a chore, or just flat out PAINFUL. This isn't a story it's a screed. This book should have been chopped in more than half consisting of a short story of maybe 100 pages. You are constantly bombarded by intellectual/philosophical meanderings that go nowhere. Not only do they go nowhere they are bone dry dull, mindnumbingly deadening, add NOTHING to the story, and are just flat out ridiculous.

Here is how the book reads, pages and pages of blah blah blah blah (repeat for 50 pages)... I get off the bike and change the oil. blah blah blah blah blah blah... we are heading West now. blah blah blah blah.

In fact the book is just about the opposite of everything good books are suppose to be. This book is, plotless, boring, dry, longwinded, pretentious, dull, unfocused, an ego trip for the author, shall I go on???? Seriously this reads like the longest most boring academic paper on the most deranged subject you could think of. How could you even care about the characters in this book after reading these abhorrent passages that in the end really say nothing. I am glad I skimmed the last 10 chapters and only read the passages that contained dialogue. Seriously if you did that you could read this book and understand this story in less than 4/5ths the time it takes to read all the tripe.

I suggest you drive nails through your skull seriously it's less painful than reading this dreck.

This book makes a classic gift for the philosopher in the family-I would also recommend FREE YOUR MIND by Anthony Stultz-soon to be a new classic!

I first read Zen prior to my freshman year of college and it was a book that I enjoyed reading while at the same time being challenged by in depth ideas that it presents.

This book is far from light reading, and to be honest I'm not entirely sure what my overall impression was. On one hand I thought the incorporation of a Walden-like adventure mixed with philosophical propositions was fascinating and well integrated into the story. On the other hand the material was sometimes too dry and had repetitive, circular logic that seemed to be an exercise in rhetoric. At times I was completely engrossed and jotting down notes for further research, then at other times the writing seemed so trite that I found myself impatiently waiting to finish it. Overall the book is an intelligent work that has personally inspired a pursuit in philosophers such as Hume, Kant, and the Greeks. But an appreciation and prerequisite knowledge of these philosophers would have made the book far more accessible.

This is the book that started it all for me. To be honest, I found out about this book from the movie "Reality Bites" (yep. look for it). That being said, I picked it up and read it. Now, ten years later, I am a practicing Buddhist.

You owe it to yourself to read this book.

This book is not about Zen, and only tangentially about motorcycles -- though the narrative does follow a motorcycle tour of America. It embodies a deep examination of personal and technological values and how we arrive at them, and is written by a man who thinks a long, long time before he writes. (A two-book career is something of a rarity for one whose first shot was a bestseller, and remains in print in multiple languages 30+ years down the pike.)
Pirsig's later tome, LILA: An Inquiry Into Morals, written ten or fifteen years after ZEN..., is also the tale of a journey -- on water. Though it too is profoundly thoughtful, the metaphors seemed weaker, the translation from personal to universal more tenuous. Then too, the author and I were both that much older, with the sharp distinctions of youth unavoidably greyed by the accumulated ambiguity of life. Yin and yang may be a central truth, but as we come to terms with paradox we learn a bit about compromise.
As some other reviewers have noted, Zen is in some measure dated and a period piece, but it is bound to remain an important work for many young readers as they come of age.

Just a note before I forget: When you buy this book, put your name in the front of it; it is one of those books in my library that I have to replace from time to time as I loan it... and it's never returned....

I have seen in my lifetime a tremendous change in American societal attitudes in mental illness. In the 1960's, anyone running for public office who'd seen a therapist or been treated for depression had to keep that information a deep secret or risk being ostracized. Now in our daily television viewing we often see commericals for the medications that help treat illnesses like chronic depression. In fact, we are moving away from the notion that depression is an "illness" and moving toward acceptance of such things as chemical imbalances.

All of this is to say that, back when it still wasn't cool to be on Zoloft or its equivalent (and I wasn't, I swear I wasn't), I read this book. Not surprisingly (since I was seriously pondering the truth of Hamlet's soliloquy at the time), I don't remember how the book came into my possession. I only remember being changed by it. There is a documented tendency toward depression in exceptionally bright people. Perhaps they think too much. I refer here to Robert Pirsig, author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Though bookstores often mistakenly shelve this book as a novel, it is, in truth, a memoir. But it is not about the troubled mind as much as it is about thought, clear thought, and all its processes. Though I still cannot fully explain why, this book gave me hope and comfort in a time that was particularly dark. Even now, with bright candles burning everywhere in my life, I consider Pirsig a kindred spirit. Buy this book if you are searching... for truth... or for a life preserver.

This book is for the philosophically inclined, and somehow I never quite got into it. I found myself enjoying the events in the book (especially the traveling), rather than the abstractions and ponderings of the author. However, it's probably a classic for the latter items rather than the former. I can see why people like it so much, and it is very well written and timeless, but it's not my cup of tea. Author of Adjust Your Brain: A Practical Theory for Maximizing Mental Health.

decent book but wasent expecting such indepth knowledge and as much time spent on ancient greek philosophy and technology, understanding that is very much relevant to the book it just wasnt what i expected. decent book but very drawn out without much of a reward

A friend recommended this book to me after he learned I was going on a 1200 mile motorcycle trip. I never did take the trip, but read the book anyway.

I found his monologues on quality boring and bordering on insane (he was insane, after all). After wrestling with this part of the book, I decided to focus on the trip, not the lecture. Some of his writing was very visual, though I found his conversations with his son troubling and sad, especially towards the end.

This was not a satisfying read, though perhaps because it is so highly viewed seemd more of a disappointment.

In Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pirsig apparently achieved what many philosophers desire, but simply do not have the skill or perseverance to do. That is, he wrote a work of philosophy that received immense attention and success from the popular culture and audience.

An immense part of this success probably lies in his blending of narrative with philosophical inquiry. He also has clear prose that allows everything to flow together quite nicely. Once you are sufficiently involved in the narrative and developing line of thought, you are allowed to move on naturally into more involved lines of philosophical thought that you might never have sought to understand otherwise. Pirsig also brings up a number of troubling issues about the way that we think and the way that we live: something seems wrong with our lives. He has a lucid manner of illustrating these dissatisfactions and confusions, which pull us in even deeper in anticipation of where he will end up.

This is all very good, but after all, this book is supposed to be an inquiry into values, a philosophically moving work. So what we really want to know is: should we take seriously the conclusions that Pirsig reaches in this book? Does he present a serious challenge to the more commonly held theories of reality and `Quality', and provide a robust new vision for living? I think here Pirsig misses the mark on several counts. First off, when all is said and done it's not clear at all that he has provided a rich new vision for living. From the standpoint of philosophy, Pirsig often makes intractable jumps in his reasoning as well as unqualified assumptions that severely weaken his case. The most fatal instance of this is in his attempt to show that the "dualistic" understanding of reality cannot make room for Quality.

Here I will only attempt to give a few concise examples of the problems that plague Pirsig's reasoning in Zen. Unfortunately as a short review I must be quite brief and a bit shallow in analysis. But my only intention here is to give readers incentive to be cautious about thinking seriously about some of Pirsig's claims by showing some serious flaws in his thinking.

In one instance, on 40-44 we enter a discussion about whether the law of gravity exists objectively or only in our minds. There are extensive problems with the argument, but only a few need mention here. Pirsig asks if the law of gravity existed before the earth, sun, moon, or anything material existed, and having no mass, no energy, not in anyone's mind, and not in space (41). Now Pirsig seems to think that the law of gravity did not exist at this point. But then Pirsig makes an absurd jump in his reasoning. He concludes that the only rational conclusion is that the law of gravity did not exist before Isaac Newton. But he clearly has given no support for this claim. Why not think the law of gravity existed after the beginning of the universe, but before Isaac Newton?

From this intractable argument Pirsig proceeds to claim that the law of gravity exists nowhere except in people's heads (42). He characterizes Newton's discovery of gravity as Newton's having discovered disembodies words that had been floating around for billions of years. But why think anything like that? Is Pirsig now assuming some unfamiliar philosophy of language? Why not think that Newton simply discovered regularity in nature that can be articulated by human language? At any rate Pirsig has not given us nearly enough to take his claim seriously.

Of course the natural next step is that "the world has no existence whatsoever outside the human imagination" (43). But it's clear from above that no such thing has been demonstrated. Some at this point may feel that I am being unfair or mischaracterizing Pirsig's argument. But this is hardly so. Simply put, there is little substance to this argument (and many others in his book) examined carefully.

Another problem is that Pirsig is simply careless in some places in his assumptions or by not defending some assertions he makes. For instance, early on and at other random times in the book, Pirsig mentions the Buddha as an aspect of reality as if the reader would never dispute the truth of Buddhism (i.e. 21-22). On the other hand, his ridiculously brief consideration of Christianity, which has probably had the biggest effect on western culture than any other movement, amounts to his saying that ""Heaven above" fades from meaning when space-age consciousness asks, Where is "above"?" (237). Pirsig claims that Christianity has lost relevance and comprehensibility. But for whom? Not only does he not explain what he means, but he seems to ignore the fact that Christianity really is relevant and comprehensible for hundreds of millions of people today, even many living in the "space-age". On the other hand, it's fine to employ Buddhism at points as an unqualified assumption.

The biggest problem for Pirsig is that he does nothing to show that the "dualistic" conception of reality cannot allow for Quality. The dualistic conception is (to be overly simple) that we are subjects that are distinct from the objects in the world. Pirsig spends much of the latter part of his book explaining his conception of Quality, which involves Quality as the source of everything, in response to the failure of the dualistic conception to deal with Quality. Yet it's not clear from any point in Pirsig's analysis that the dualistic conception is inadequate to include Quality, or beauty, or spirituality, or anything aesthetic or emotional. How does the distinctness of subject and object prevent these things? Why cannot beauty be a quality of objects? It is interesting that Pirsig seems to ignore contemporary philosophy that studies aesthetics from a "dualistic" standpoint. Many have accepted this picture and found ample room for a richness of beauty and quality that is in no way hindered by the distinctness of subject and object.

In addition to this, Pirsig seems almost incoherent about his theory of Quality. He wants to say that it is indefinable. Yet he tries to explain his theory of Quality in detail. On some level he recognizes this dilemma. Nevertheless, despite his normally clear prose, his explanation of Quality is mostly unhelpful. I looked at many of these sections carefully without much progress. I take it that this is not because he has something deeply profound to say, but that he himself does not sufficiently understand what he means so that he can articulate it. If he understood it well enough, he ought to be able to articulate it as he does so well in the rest of his book.

Though I don't doubt some will disagree about this last point, the fact remains that there is no good reason for us to throw our common sense out the window and go with the evasive theory that Pirsig presents, a theory that by the way has received virtually no attention in professional philosophy. (And I'd add here that Pirsig's dismissal of "common sense" is also supported by weak reasoning) Pirsig in the end gives us no reason to move towards his solution.

Whether Pirsig intended it or not, he has not really provided us with anything approaching a robust and meaningful way of how to live our lives. In part, this is probably a result of the evasiveness of Quality itself. It's a bit baffling that so many find the philosophy deeply affecting and inspirational, whereas we are not truly given a rich sense of how to live our lives and how to treat others. We are given the picture that all is Quality. Yet we have been told Quality is indefinable, and in a sense beyond understanding. We fail even to find in his narrative something of a way we ought to live.

All that Pirsig discusses is not necessarily bad. I like that Pirsig points out some misunderstandings about the `scientific method', specifically that a big part of it is not methodical but sometimes simply the result of imagination or accident (though again I think he takes his conclusions a step too far here). Also, Pirsig does make some good distinctions and presents a number of problems with the way we live that certainly need attention. Our educational system is one of those issues.

Nevertheless, I cannot in good conscience recommend this book because it contains a wealth of misleading philosophy. I'm sure that many people when reading Zen have been taken in by the problems with our world and the intellectual puzzles that Pirsig discusses, thinking then that his solutions to these issues are the only salvation. But nothing could be further from the truth.

I read this book first when I was interested in the Quality movement in the early 1990's, and then again much later when I was more interested in philosophy. And that gave my feelings about quality a depth that I reckon has influenced greatly my approach to performance measurement today.

Plus I like motorcycles, even if only the off-road kind, and have spent many hours grazing my knuckles and bruising my shins as I've maintained them too (this will make more sense when you've read the part in the book that introduces Gumption Traps)!

I had heard of "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Robert Pirsig long before I read it. But when someone compared some of my emails on Postfix mail servers to this book, I had to read it. I am glad I did.

The one mistake people make with this book is thinking it has to deal with zen and motorcycle maintenance. It has little to do with either, but under the author's name, in the sub title, the truth is exposed.

Pirsig's work is not some giant philosophical leap forward. In fact, there are many earlier works that cover the same material as Pirsig's with far more detail and accuracy! But where they fail to make things digestible to a layman, Pirsig succeeds.

That is perhaps the one bad thing in "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance." He has made some mistaken quotes by simple mis-remembering, and hands them out as accurate information. But even this is not terrible when you look at the overall goal of the book, to inspire people to examine quality in their lives.

I think that this book should be required reading in every high school. There is a lot in there that people coming of age need to learn, and so rarely do. The allegorical examination of quality through the tools of Zen and Motorcycles is very wonderfully written. And with a teacher to correct the few misquotes, even the down side can be eliminated.

Now while I feel that Pirsig's viewpoint is somewhat polarized, I do not find that hinders the learning process or enjoyment involved in reading this book.

So please, read this book, even if you are interested in philosophy, zen, motorcycles, or quality. You may be surprised about the other parts of your life that it touches on.

This is one of those books I always thought I should read and when I finally got around to it I was blown away. I am reminded of catcher in the rye and one... cuckoos nest. This book was not what I expected. It is not about motorcycles or philosophy, it is about people. The story is skillfully woven between these elements. This is not a book you read once. This is not a book though, to escape from thinking. If that's what you need try Matthew Riley.

I have probably purchased over 25 copies if Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance for friends, family and customers. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (ZAMM) is about finding quality through "being the job" instead of 25 pages of process documentation for a 55 second operation.

Implied in this is identifying yourself with the job and finding satisfaction in a job well done. Being the job.

Pirsig leads us on hundreds of pages in a self-indulgent quest for the definition of "quality," in an East meets West context. Note to author: Webster defines quality in many ways. Among them are 1.) Character (as in attribute) 2.) Comparative rank (for the relativists out there) 3.) Superior rank (as a contrast to #2). It's really that simple, Mr. Pirsig. Get over it.

Oh, and by the way, next time you criticize the "Church of Reason," be aware that your rhetoric is actually a reasoned argument against reason. This alone should be "reason" enough to avoid your convoluted ideology.

I first read this book in 1976... it has occupied a prime spot on my bookcase ever since. This current version has a more agreeable font and is easier to read.

I was recommended "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" from someone with a little too much enthusiasm for the book. As a result I was a little let down. My friend's enthusiastic endorsement sounds a lot like the reviews posted up on this page.

The key question this book poses--"What is Quality?"--in my mind is never really answered. This may be like the Zen koan were a monk is hanging off the edge of a cliff by holding onto a branch with his teeth and a student asks him "Why did the Buddha come from India to China?" If the monk answers, he falls to his doom. If he keeps his mouth shut, he cannot answer. The answer to the question ends up being "MU", which is a Zen way of saying "unask the question".

All very quaint and insightful, perhaps, but a little over the head of this Western thinker. It's not that I don't enjoy exploring a question I know has no definitive answer, if only to gain an appreciation for the mystery it addresses. The problem is that I dislike metaphysics. I dislike jumping up one level and speaking of things in a convuluted and deliberately confusing matter by making concepts essential objects, by making grandoise claims about what happens between conscious experience and the event one is conscious of in a forum that doesn't demand a rational defense.

Pirsig apparently doesn't either, and he offers a few fleeting attempts at self-criticism before jumping right back into the metaphysical lingo and leading the reader back into the fray.

The book did get me thinking. I started to wonder "What is quality", and, more specifically, "Does this book have it?" As to the first question, I was led to think of it from angles I wouldn't have thought of before, but still am at a total loss. As to the second question, I think the answer is "yes", but a tentative "yes". Don't expect your socks to be knocked off by Pirsig's blizkreig through three hundred years of philosophical thought. Expect some uncomfortable chapters, some evocative and highly objectionable claims, and some unnecessarily confusing dialectic.

The book has an interesting narrative flow, and when concepts are introduced into this flow it can be quite enlightening. Unfortunately, it sometimes breaks this flow altogether, loses ground, and makes for less enjoyable reading. I recommend the book to those who are interested, specifically, in philosophy (not to be confused with "ideas about things", but the philosophy of the ancients).

Pirsig provides a heavy inquiry into the nature of science, philosohpy, quality and pursuit of universal truth in this book. He uses a "scientific method" in describing his inquiry. Being a scientist myself, I found his book disappointing. I was excited in the topics he pursued, but there are some flaws in his reasoning that are hidden in his heavy language --- these flaws amount simply to rhetoric in retrospect. To provide an example of such flaws, consider what Phaedrus, his alter-ego, says about the nature of scientific truths and scientific methods.

Phaedrus postulates that the number of scientific hypotheses to explain a given worldly phenomenon increases with the amount of exploration. As you apply scientific method to test a hypothesis, new hypotheses develop. Thus, Phaedrus feels that all these hypotheses can never be tested because the number to be tested grows at a faster rate with the number being tested. He quotes Einstein to sum this up, to conclude that (scientific) truth is a function of time -- at any given moment, there is one amongst a set of hypotheses that best explains a phenomenon.

But, from here, Phaedrus makes the statement that "the time spans of scientific truths are an inverse function of the intensity of scientific effort". This claim, to me, is unsubstantiated. Phaedrus seems to justify this claim by saying that as
more hypotheses come into existence, the probability that the leading hypothesis (call it the momentary truth referred to by Einstein) is replaced by a new hypothesis is greater because the number of alternatives is greater.

The primary flaw in reasoning is that it ignores that the quality or soundness of the available hypotheses. In other words, they are all equivalent and the probability of one replacing the other are all equal. I prefer to resort to an alternative explanation of this phenomenon. Let an n-dimensional space represent all the scientific hypotheses offered to explain a phenomenon. If there does exist a scientific truth (let's call this our goal), that is
irrefutable, then it must be a point in this space, and reaching this point is the objective of all scientific methods. At a given instant in time, we may be aware of a set of hypotheses (or points in this space), and we know that one point in this space refers to the momentary truth referred to by Einstein.

What Phaedrus seems to ignore is that good scientific methods at a given instant in time will use its current knowledge (i.e., points in the space we are aware of) to guide its exploration through this space. This is the foundation of any good scientific research. Take any article written in a scientific journal, and you will find a section dedicated to related research, which considers what hypotheses have been discovered, and how does the new hypothesis presented compare with the previous results. The result of using current knowledge is to fine-tune the exploration of the hypotheses space. Thus, the aim of research is to figure out what parts of this space may be meaningless to pursue (in other words, what new hypotheses are probably weaker in the test of time), and thus turn in the direction of the hypothesis that will stand the test of time. This direction, hopefully, is towards the point that we have set as our goal. Thus, from this standpoint, our path through this space will be fine-tuned with time and will in fact increase our chances of reaching our goal. The weakness in Phaedrus argument is his own critique on the
"romantic" method --- he feels overwhelmed with new hypotheses that pop up all the time. In feeling overwhelmed, he gets dis-oriented, and loses sight of our current path in this space.

A classic example of this space is our drive to explain gravity in the cosmos. What we know today about Newton's laws of gravity and all other physical laws that are based on it, are that they are observable only on Earth. There is a new approach, string theory, that attempts to tie in gravity with the rest of our physical laws. This is a scientific inquiry into describing a new hypothesis to replace old ones (Newton's laws). We are not being overwhelmed by new hypotheses as time progresses. In fact, Newton's laws are still the best hypotheses explaining the physical phenomenon at this point in eternity. Perhaps, it will be replaced if string-theory researchers encounter a break-through, but this will imply that it is a much stronger hypothesis than Newton's. To Phaedrus, the sheer abundance of new hypotheses is a disappointment.

Hence, I dismiss Phaedrus's claim that "time spans of scientific
truths are an inverse function of the intensity of scientific effort" as pure rhetoric without any basis. In fact, if intensity of scientific effort is well directed, then it provides better focus for our exploration through this space. Thus, I cannot but dismiss the remainder of Phaedrus argument in this chapter relating to "the predicted results and actual results of scientific inquiry being diametrically opposite", etc. All these corollaries are based on poorly deduced claim.

However, there are still a number of very interesting contemplations in the book. I only have trouble with the method of analysis chosen by Pirsig. Ask any scientist and they'll tell you that the most beautiful theorems and laws are the simplest ones. In this regard, Phaedrus's convoluted, heavy analysis fails miserably. It is because of the heavy analysis, that he is able to introduce rhetoric without the reader being even aware of it.

an amazing book. the story itself isn't overly entertaining, but pirsig's philosophy is inspired and easily understood.

First off, let me say I can see why this book is considered a modern classic. It delves deeply, and methodically, into the current human condition and how people are taught how to look at the world.

However, if you're looking for a casual read into Zen philosophy this book isn't for you. This book took me a while to get through. Much longer than it normally takes me for a book of this length. The "rhetoric" can be very complex and complicated at times, but it necessary for the depths the book is meant to examine. Pirsig examines the most basic, fundamentaly, and ancient ways of the modern Western Civilzation thought process.

There are some good reviews already about why this is a bad book, I'll add my vote to that column. It being such a best selling book and supposedly about zen (see title, Zen and the Art...) I came into the book excited. It started out interesting but became tedious.

He goes on and on about motercycle maintenence as if his goal was to bore the reader (which he succeeds quite admirably at). The way he talks also grows old fast, very self concious which he might be doing to show he has psychological problems, but it doesn't work. It reminds me of the way a high schooler would talk who is perhaps a little clever, but certainly not up to the task of writing a book. It's a little like the book "A Work of Hearbreaking Genius" which sucked even more than this book.

There are some interesting thoughts in the book but it's overwhelmed by the trash. If a friend of mine enjoyed this book I'd lose respect for him.

A couple of years ago, an editor (whom I had hired to help give my book "A Reason for Living" a final polish before publication) wrote to me a heartening letter of appreciation, the last part of which steered me very propitiously onto "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance," by Robert M. Pirsig. The half autobiographical, half philosophical nature of my book apparently reminded him of Mr. Pirsig's work. Now that I have read this remarkable work, I see the connection, both at the level of style and content, and confessedly delight in it. There is hope after all for a book that daringly challenges mainstream literary categories or straddles two of them by blending a personal epic with extensive philosophical insights.

What above all took a firm hold on my attention is the author's perspective of the nature of reality; that is, our human reality, which is the only one to which we have access. His entire discourse about Quality - as the very core of our lives that bridges the divide between art and science - is definitely on target, smack in the middle. It scores all the more points with me as I myself buck at every materialistic worldview that is blind to its spiritual foundation.

By spiritual foundation I mean the human spirit behind every human endeavor, including scientific ones. In fact, reality as we know it is nothing but a spiritual reality, again in the sense that it is all happening between our two ears in the form of sensations and thoughts, and that it is suffused with feelings and value judgments that constitute the heart of the matter. Furthermore, strictly speaking, reality as we know it is nothing but the spiritual reality peculiar to each of us as individuals. The assumption that part of it (the part that concerns other people and things, distinguishable from ourselves) refers to a reality that exists independently of us is precisely that, an assumption, and a metaphysical one to boot, if also reasonable. A less reasonable assumption would be that other people and things, distinguishable from ourselves, are an illusion, a dream or a nightmare depending on how we look at it - a mere extension of ourselves that proceeds from some mysterious principle that inheres in our spirits.

Needless to say, the assumption that the world reasonably distinguished from ourselves can be limited to our perception of it or can amount to a "material" aggregate of microscopic things is not only metaphysical in the extreme; it is laughably fantastical or at least indefensibly presumptuous and narrow. Indeed, the idea that something can be exclusively "material," when our reality is exclusively spiritual, is bordering on the insane for it is devoid of a rational basis. I would go so far as to say that our scientific culture, chockablock of "material" descriptions that are supposed to reveal the alpha and omega of the universe, is fit for the loony bin (this point is particularly ironic because it is also made by Mr. Pirsig, who spent considerable time at the asylum, as though it were him whose mind was derailed). The word "material" simply refers to the world of appearances, and any person endowed with common sense knows that appearances are superficial and can be deceiving, or that people - us included - and things far exceed them. Quite frankly, so-called primitive cultures that indulged in a naïve form of animism were certainly closer to the truth than those among scientists who are so intellectually blinkered that they believe there is nothing more to the world than meets the eye.

Yes, as the author of "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" eloquently and vehemently points out, it is high time that we wake up from our materialistic slumber and acknowledge the true essence of humanity - and in all likelihood of the universe as a whole: the spirit, driven by feelings and value judgments. Not that we should plunge headlong in the opposite extreme and adopt an anthropomorphic worldview, but that we should remain open to the part of the world that is beyond appearances, beyond the so-called matter, and cannot be experienced but only imagined. Scientists are doomed to stay miserably off the mark, however efficient their material descriptions and predictions may be, until they agree to be poets as well.

Laurent Grenier

It took a long time to write a review for this book. I generally try to write them within a week of finishing. It gives me time to absorb what I read yet it remains fresh in my mind. For some reason, this took a full 2 months before I wrote this review. That doesn't mean I forgot what I read, far from it. This book is so full of valuable discussion that it would be impossible to forget much of what it talked about. After all, the content here is heavy enough to maintain a cult following 30 years after it was first published.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is quite a good book. I don't know how else to start this review, other than to say exactly that. It's a classic that sat on my pile of books for years and years (and years - really, it was that long) before I picked it up. That's a shame, because this is something I should have been picking up again and again throughout those years. More than likely a timeless classic, Zen stays in touch with all levels of reader despite taking on a very mixed subject matter.

A philosophical journey brushed with Buddhist undertones, this is a mysterious autobiographical adventure where Pirsig jumps head first into a slowly moving story which delves in and out of the mind of the narrator. Focusing on the issue of value, Pirsig attempts to ferret out the core of quality which drives dinner conversation across the face of the Earth. What is good? What is bad? How do we assess elements of this nature which fit into these good and bad boxes?

Truth and value, pillars of our social institutions, come under the scrutiny of Pirsig in the pages of this book. Challenging illusions we delude ourselves into believing, the text offers numerous questions and commentaries which lead the reader to question many things they may have previously taken for granted.

Blending Eastern and Western thought, Pirsig walks down a well-trodden but poorly paved road that many in the West try and fail to comprehend. That doesn't mean Pirsig understands it any better (or worse) than others who have ambled down this same path. It merely means he walks down it, and lends space to both schools of thought without wholly selling out and decrying one as superior. An impossible stance to take for almost all who try.

At times the book does bog down in slow meditative conversation. I don't think it detracts enough to make the book less than excellent. But it is something to consider when going into it. Those expecting Earth shattering revelations will need to step back and reassess what they expect from a book. Much of the text is meant to be consumed and ruminated upon. Reading 100 pages in a day is a sure way to misunderstand most of it. You would do yourself a favor by limiting the number of pages taken in any one day to less than 10. Here is a book to promote thinking. Take the time to do just that.

This book can (and should) appeal to any variety of reader. However, it will likely appeal more to those who actively want to better themselves and their lives, but not in the typical American manner of throwing a fist-full of cash at it. The idea is foreign to many in a land of cash-based happiness. Pirsig does not address this. I merely bring it up to preface who might enjoy reading this. I imagine the Conservative base will not take kindly to the book. Likewise, people beyond a certain age (is that Thirtysomething these days?) will likely be less concerned with a lot of the ideas here, believing they already have all the answers they need. I strongly assert that any person from any angle can get a lot out of this work.

This is a book I plan on reading again. I have cautiously ordered his sequel, Lila, because this book was so good. I can't expect it to be nearly as good. But it goes to show how much I enjoyed the first one. Needless to say, this is highly recommended reading.

This book offers interesting questions and interesting points of view. It does not contain answers.
This book will tell you more about the mental state/mental disorder of the author then about philosophy and zen.
It is Pirsig's psychoanalysis session put on paper.

While it is worth reading, expect to doubt the science/philosophy part, especially if you are familiar with science/philosophy.

I found this book barely worthwhile. I started reading it largely due to its fame and impressive selling history. I'm sorry to say it was an unsatisfying exercise, one that towards the end I was doing just to see if there was some climactic ending (which there was not). The entire book takes place on a cross-country motorcycle ride that Pirsig takes with his son Chris, accompanied early on by two friends.

The first half of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is fairly engaging. The last half is exceedingly boring and inscrutable. Pirsig goes on ad nauseum into the abstraction of "quality"; he's obsessed with it. He does not however (as far as I can tell) clearly define the term as he uses it. It's ostensibly not the conventional "quality" we're accustomed to. Regardless, I found myself reading only the first sentence of many paragraphs as he went on and on about the subject. He spent at least 100 pages of the last half of the book delving into his thought process many years ago. I found these sections of void of cogent points on anything other than his emerging insanity.

It seems Pirsig used the title as marketing more than an indicator of the content, as there are few sections on Zen or the accompanying values. It's safe to assume Pirsig took his personal journal of his motorcycle riding and published it, giving little thought to wrapping the ideas he had together into a unified theme.

His relationship with his accompanying son, Chris, was a source of frustration. The kid is apparently psychologically unstable, which is perfectly expectable given his father.

I find myself wondering why this book is as successful as it is; perhaps I missed whatever value millions of readers have found in this book. While the first half was mildly worthwhile, the remainder left a sour taste in this reader's mouth.