THE CLASSIC BOOK THAT HAS INSPIRED MILLIONS
A penetrating examination of how we live and how to live better
Few books transform a generation and then establish themselves as touchstones for the generations that follow. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is one such book. This modern epic of a man’s search for meaning became an instant bestseller on publication in 1974, acclaimed as one … instant bestseller on publication in 1974, acclaimed as one of the most exciting books in the history of American letters. It continues to inspire millions.
A narration of a summer motorcycle trip undertaken by a father and his son, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance becomes a personal and philosophical odyssey into fundamental questions on how to live. The narrator’s relationship with his son leads to a powerful self-reckoning; the craft of motorcycle maintenance leads to an austerely beautiful process for reconciling science, religion, and humanism. Resonant with the confusions of existence, this classic is a touching and transcendent book of life.
This new edition contains an interview with Pirsig and letters and documents detailing how this extraordinary book came to be.
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Just one of my favorite novels. Just seeing the cover of it on my shelf makes my mind soar. It’s one of the best American road novels, but a tough read in some ways. The Guidebook to the novel, by DiSanto and Steele helps immensely to bring out the subtler and more complex elements.
When you ask Google how many books have been written you get back about 130 million. I have no interest in reading most of those but even 0.01% of those would be 13,000 and I have a very wide interest range. There are a lot of books I would like to read. Therefore, I rarely read books twice. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintainance is one of the …
This was such a (ahem) novel idea at the time, taking a true story and sensationalizing it as a memoir, and with a dharma element. But there’s a surprise twist in the book which by itself is reason enough for a recommendation.
An interesting mix of philosophy and storytelling, the book actually is about what it’s title says. My brain was both overwhelmed and entertained while learning a lot about subjects I didn’t know well. Very quirky, fun and interesting.
Growing up, this book was hugely inspirational to me. It’s not always the easiest read, but it’s packed with philosophy and thought-provoking insights. Recommended for anyone who’s up for a challenging yet fulfilling read.
Read it about every 5 years
Cerebral but worth the effort!
This book is a sleeper, starts our s-l-o-w along 1/2 way thru book it is great all the way to the end. A lot of self improving content to take ownership of.
Dan
I bought it a long time ago trying to gain some inspiration and a clue how to heal after a troubled relationship ended and I bottomed out. Pirsig had his tale to tell. He had to follow his own path through hell and this is his recounting. This book in no way inspired me. It saddened me. As if grasping at straws to make things work, the story is …
I know it’s a cult classic but I thought it boring.
In my top 20 all time favorites.
This can be a difficult read. It is a philosophy book, but not in the tradition of the Greeks or the Europeans. It has a modern perspective and a format that uses story telling. Ultimately, it is a journey deep into the mind of a tormented man. The journey presents us with many profound insights and also serves as a primer for the work of many …
This book changed the way I think, as well as the wonderful insights the author Robert Persig maintains a beautiful even way of writing of the highest order, a book that will never date.
A classic that I think is like some of the great rock songs of the late 60’s. If you were there and of the mindset of the time, you Grok it. You understand with your entire being. I don’t think later generations would get it in the same way.
A very complex book that entertains the reader while a father and son take a cross-country trip on a motorcycle. Thought-provoking, provocative, and will make you think more about the value of life and relationships.
Pirsig did a great job telling the story of his travels by motorcycle with his son, using the “road trip” theme to explore both culture and the relationship between father and son. I found it touching.
Whether your a motorcycle fanatic, like I am, or not, this book will inspire introspection and provide value insight.,
a good read
I’ve had this book dog-eared since the 80s. It’s one of those truly inspirational books that sticks to your bones.
Another American classic.