Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (edit title)

• Rated 0 stars

“Sometimes brilliant. Sometimes a chore. I liked the philosophy more than I did the story. I agreed with what Phaedrus had to say about how important it is to CARE.”

• Rated 4 stars

“I instantly adapted the philosophy in this book to the way I approach the world. Can be slow and dense at times. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“Pure gold. The combination of lucid prose, compelling story, and intellectual merit make this one of my favorite books. ”

• Rated 3 stars

“read it a long time ago, didn't really understand it, should probably reread.”

• Rated 4 stars

“An academic takes off on his motorbike with his 14 year old son in tow with some philosophical koans on his mind. Maybe he just needs to get away from institutions. Whatever the case you can't help but be drawn in on his musings as he bikes through anonymous small town america. For readers who yearn to be a free spirit.”

• Rated 5 stars

“It's a deep-thinking book and produces new thoughts and ideas at every page”

• Rated 5 stars

“I loved this book. I read it on trains while traveling around Europe in 1980 and the mix of plot and philosophy delighted me.”

• Rated 3 stars

“Another book to make me wish for an "It was Okay" rating. I think this book hit me at an inbetween time. It might have mattered to me in highschool, and it might make an impact when I'm older, but right now, it hasn't brought me much. The author says there are two books in it, one about the ideas, and one about the people. I thoroughly enjoyed the one about the people, but the book of ideas didn't do much for me. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“This book, written by Robert M. Pirsig, has really surprised me; the story it’s quite unusual: a man ride his “machine” with his son and two friends across US and during this journey many philosophical discussions take place. Most of these regard “Quality” a concept which breaks the dualism typical of western culture by bridging again Classic and Romantic understanding. The narrator tells the story of Phaedrus, the person who he himself was before being treated with a shock therapy, and his search for Quality, not through definitions nor by rationality but by a Zen like approach.

The book is really stimulating and all philosophical ideas presented are related to all-day-things, like maintaining a motorcycle for example. I think that everyone regardless his education can enjoy this book as I’ve enjoyed it.”

• Rated 5 stars

“What an amazing book. I read it every couple of years and I understand it a little better each time.”