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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
[[2022-03-08]] I always thought I've red this book during my university study, but as going through it I didn't have any memories being recalled. Am I now Pheadrusing? Nevertheless I've decided it deserved yet another read, to peel down some more layers. In all honesty there was yet an urge to put away the book halfway, but reading on the internet about it's depth made me persist.
I didn’t think it was possible to hate a book more than I hated Catcher in the Rye but here it is! I would genuinely rate this negative stars if that was an option.
I had a friend in college who went everywhere with a very dogeared copy of this book with lots of notes in the margins. I'd always been curious about the book as a result. Finally remembered to take it out from the library and realized I have no interest in knowing anything about motorcycles or motorcycle maintenance or a road trip on motorcycles. I also lacked the patience to see what any of it had to do with Zen Buddhism, the principles of which I loosely follow.
Taking pity on myself on page 27 and moving onto a different book that I hope will keep my interest more.
Taking pity on myself on page 27 and moving onto a different book that I hope will keep my interest more.
I went back to read the book last June because I had recommended it to Daniel. He was wondering what on earth I was thinking in loving the book. In fact, I listened to the book this time 'round. I get kind of busy and use Audible.com to help me get through books while walking or driving to work or on the treadmill at the gym. But Dad, you didn't really READ the book; you listened to it. Daniel had a point and was about to prove it to me...I really read the book this time. Instead of taking 8 days last June, it was a slog for almost 4 months, finally finishing it in March 2016.
When doing one of my psychiatry rotations during medical school or internship, I was intrigued by some of the things that the manic patients would say. The thought has stayed with me over the decades that there is a fine line between genius and insanity and it's hard to tell much of the time on which side somebody lies. Are the statements so brilliant that we should take note and appreciate the shear genius? Or rather are they on the other side of that line, and just absolute rubbish from someone whose brain has an imbalance? Who are we to judge?
Zen ATAOMM's author is one such genius. In my youth, I'm not sure if I was seeing the crescent or the whole of the moon but to me it seemed somewhat brilliant. Wow, a whole new way to look at the world and to live for the moment. Later in life, so much of the writing seems like the nonsensical scribbles of a madman. Why all the Chataqua's that are for the most part banal? What purpose does much of the description of the road trip add toward advancing the story line? Is this all part of achieving a Zen moment or just a crock of shit?
Maybe this book as well as many others mean different things to different people at a different times in their lives? Phadreus, or whatever his real name is, travels with his son and for much of the time the relationship is strained. There is some resolution at the end but what a struggle of a journey to get there. The biggest thing I might have got out of the book at this stage in my life is the importance of trying to connect with my kids. For that reason it was worth the journey. In terms of most of the rest of the book, it was mostly a fad at the time but perhaps it means something to many others at this time. It's hard to go back.
When doing one of my psychiatry rotations during medical school or internship, I was intrigued by some of the things that the manic patients would say. The thought has stayed with me over the decades that there is a fine line between genius and insanity and it's hard to tell much of the time on which side somebody lies. Are the statements so brilliant that we should take note and appreciate the shear genius? Or rather are they on the other side of that line, and just absolute rubbish from someone whose brain has an imbalance? Who are we to judge?
Zen ATAOMM's author is one such genius. In my youth, I'm not sure if I was seeing the crescent or the whole of the moon but to me it seemed somewhat brilliant. Wow, a whole new way to look at the world and to live for the moment. Later in life, so much of the writing seems like the nonsensical scribbles of a madman. Why all the Chataqua's that are for the most part banal? What purpose does much of the description of the road trip add toward advancing the story line? Is this all part of achieving a Zen moment or just a crock of shit?
Maybe this book as well as many others mean different things to different people at a different times in their lives? Phadreus, or whatever his real name is, travels with his son and for much of the time the relationship is strained. There is some resolution at the end but what a struggle of a journey to get there. The biggest thing I might have got out of the book at this stage in my life is the importance of trying to connect with my kids. For that reason it was worth the journey. In terms of most of the rest of the book, it was mostly a fad at the time but perhaps it means something to many others at this time. It's hard to go back.
I have been thinking of reading this book since my college days, but somehow it didn’t happen. In a way I am glad, because I feel I am a lot more ready, philosophically, to understand and appreciate what the author was trying to say. On the other hand, it is possible that reading it during my college days could have got me interested in philosophy many decades sooner.
It is one of the most audacious and ambitious fictional work about philosophy that I have read. The intellectual scope of this book is incredibly deep. While I could not agree with some of his philosophical conclusions, my personal philosophical training is not strong enough to argue my disagreement effectively. Whether I agreed with his arguments or not, there was not a single moment while reading this book when I could relax. It made me think constantly, and that is the most rewarding quality of this book. I know for sure, I will always look at anything I do with a slightly different way from this point on.
The genius of this book is that it takes a rather uneventful road trip, and an ordinary motorcycle, as a vehicle to raise some of the most profound philosophical questions, and it all happens rather casually. The protagonist of this first person narrative never appears pompous or arrogant as he connects his everyday experience with the history of western philosophy. While doing all that, there is an underlying personal story of vulnerability and deep pathos.
I'd strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thinking about things -- irrespective of what those thoughts are. It is particularly useful for anyone who indulges in any type of creative activity.
It is one of the most audacious and ambitious fictional work about philosophy that I have read. The intellectual scope of this book is incredibly deep. While I could not agree with some of his philosophical conclusions, my personal philosophical training is not strong enough to argue my disagreement effectively. Whether I agreed with his arguments or not, there was not a single moment while reading this book when I could relax. It made me think constantly, and that is the most rewarding quality of this book. I know for sure, I will always look at anything I do with a slightly different way from this point on.
The genius of this book is that it takes a rather uneventful road trip, and an ordinary motorcycle, as a vehicle to raise some of the most profound philosophical questions, and it all happens rather casually. The protagonist of this first person narrative never appears pompous or arrogant as he connects his everyday experience with the history of western philosophy. While doing all that, there is an underlying personal story of vulnerability and deep pathos.
I'd strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thinking about things -- irrespective of what those thoughts are. It is particularly useful for anyone who indulges in any type of creative activity.
I wanted to do horrible things to this book when I first began reading it. It seemed to be without an overarching purpose, plot or direction. I tired of hearing the narrator talk seemingly to hear his own thoughts. To me it read like one of the programmming texts I had to read in college - dry and sleep-inducing. At one point in the novel he specifically addresses the fact that he has neglected to develop characters in the book by saying, "That would be quite a novel, but for some reason, I don't feel quite up to it." $@)$!^&%(%$%@%! Really? Really?! I thought, you don't "feel quite up to it!?" Character development would signficantly aid in my attempts to get through this book and you don't feel like it? Oh, I was incensed!
However, I kept reading, because it was the current choice for my book club and I'm self-competitive and hate not finishing things. We met at a halfway point to discuss the book. Thanks to lively discussion amongst book club members I came to see the book in a different light and actually began looking forward to reading it.
I'm so glad I kept going and finished the book. It was worth it! It deserves it's modern classic status. Robert Pirsig is either insane or a genius, but either way it makes for an eye-opening, incredibly thought-provoking and inspiring read. I think he was definitely ahead of his time (or as he mentions in his book, he may have written it at just the right time). It's awakened my rebellious spirit, which admittedly has been bubbling very close to the surface since I long ago subjugated it in the interest of obtaining and keeping steady employment. A rebellious spirit isn't necessarily a good thing when you have a 9 to 5 where individuality and rejection of conformity are not exactly encouraged. But, I guess that's my personal dilemma with which to deal. In any case, I thank Mr. Pirsig for the great ride (pun intended) and helping to remind me of my priorities in life.
However, I kept reading, because it was the current choice for my book club and I'm self-competitive and hate not finishing things. We met at a halfway point to discuss the book. Thanks to lively discussion amongst book club members I came to see the book in a different light and actually began looking forward to reading it.
I'm so glad I kept going and finished the book. It was worth it! It deserves it's modern classic status. Robert Pirsig is either insane or a genius, but either way it makes for an eye-opening, incredibly thought-provoking and inspiring read. I think he was definitely ahead of his time (or as he mentions in his book, he may have written it at just the right time). It's awakened my rebellious spirit, which admittedly has been bubbling very close to the surface since I long ago subjugated it in the interest of obtaining and keeping steady employment. A rebellious spirit isn't necessarily a good thing when you have a 9 to 5 where individuality and rejection of conformity are not exactly encouraged. But, I guess that's my personal dilemma with which to deal. In any case, I thank Mr. Pirsig for the great ride (pun intended) and helping to remind me of my priorities in life.
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
slow-paced
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced