| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Zachmozach |
Posted - 09/22/2006 : 12:53:20 PM
So when I was in high school I read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintence and I still rank it as one of my favortie books and recently I have been re-reading it with my girlfriend. I however have ventured on to his second book Lila which further expands his views. I must say I really reccomend both these books. Fluffy you would probably really like some of the ideas he express' on the culture of the natives in Lila. They really are some of the most enlightening philosiphical books ever.
Edit- oh and the autors name Robert Pirsig |
| 7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Fluffy |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 08:42:20 AM
I read this book for the first TIMe in about 7th grade. I reread it in High School and really remember loving it. I really should revisit it. Thanx for the reminder. |
| Zachmozach |
Posted - 09/24/2006 : 2:39:02 PM
Ya it really pursues the question of what is quality. Like I said I'm liking Lila better though although there are a few weak parts in it for me. It's just deeper though. |
| skyline |
Posted - 09/24/2006 : 11:14:03 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Ranting Thespian
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintence, I assume it's not about a monk working as a mechanic.
So, what is it about?
Haha, actually it's kind of close to that ;)
It's about a former philosopher who went crazy after delving so far into his mind in search of certain ideals. The subtitle of the book is "An Inquiry into Values".
The story itself takes place after the breakdown. He now writes technical instruction manuals...you know...those frustrating things that tell you how to assemble a grill or swingset? He takes his son on a motorcycle trip where he confronts the ghosts of his past. Along the way he gives you bits and pieces of the thoughts he was pursuing that caused him to go mad. |
| Ranting Thespian |
Posted - 09/24/2006 : 01:17:18 AM
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintence, I assume it's not about a monk working as a mechanic.
So, what is it about?
|
| skyline |
Posted - 09/22/2006 : 8:57:32 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Zachmozach
The second book Lila has left a far greater impression on me. Sure it's new so that might be part of it, but I find it a way better book. It's deeper and has more meaning for me in everday life than the first.
I'll have to give it a try some time.
I should probably revise my earlier statement. Zen did leave a lasting impression on me. My friends and I, after reading the book in high school, adopted the word "quality" as one of our new favorites. We typically use it in reference to something completely stupid or absurd, but always say the word in a hushed and reverent tone.
Sorry, dumb story and probably not funny to anyone other than myself ;) |
| Zachmozach |
Posted - 09/22/2006 : 8:18:11 PM
The second book Lila has left a far greater impression on me. Sure it's new so that might be part of it, but I find it a way better book. It's deeper and has more meaning for me in everday life than the first. |
| skyline |
Posted - 09/22/2006 : 8:14:01 PM
I've read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
I agree...it's a good read. I read it my senior year of high school (had the coolest AP English teacher ever), and again a few years later when I was better able to wrap my head around the concepts.
Still, it falls in the same category that a lot of philosphical subjects fall in for me. While it's a great mental exercise, and certainly fascinating to think about, it really didn't leave a lasting impression on me. I certainly didn't find it "life altering" like so many claim it to be.
I do love the idea of the analytic knife, though. I use a toned down version of that concept quite often with my students. |
