Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
Arguably one of the most profoundly important essays ever written on the nature and significance of "quality" and definitely a necessary anodyne to the consequences of a modern world pathologically obsessed with quantity. Although set as a story of a cross-country trip on a motorcycle by a father and son, it is more nearly a journey through 2,000 years of Western philosophy. For some people, this has been a truly life-changing book.
Product Description
One of the most important and influential books written in the past half-century, Robert M. Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is a powerful, moving, and penetrating examination of how we live . . . and a breathtaking meditation on how to live better. Here is the book that transformed a generation: an unforgettable narration of a summer motorcycle trip across America's Northwest, undertaken by a father and his young son. A story of love and fear -- of growth, discovery, and acceptance -- that becomes a profound personal and philosophical odyssey into life's fundamental questions, this uniquely exhilarating modern classic is both touching and transcendent, resonant with the myriad confusions of existence . . . and the small, essential triumphs that propel us forward.
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Customer Reviews: Read 516 more reviews...
 my favorite book July 2, 2008
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.
 Boring.. June 23, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
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.
What is best vs what is right June 17, 2008
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.
Timeless or dated June 11, 2008
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.
A timely classic June 9, 2008
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.
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