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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
I read this again to see if I still loved it as much as when I read years before, or if how much I loved it was a function of who I was at the time. In rereading this book I was reminding of the point of Pirsig's treaties on quality and his philosophy on life, which is essentially boiled down to live a life of quality. I found that the book did not resonate with me as it previously did, however, it still contains some fascinating discussions of the history of western philosophical inquiry as well as the relation of ourselves to our individual and collective societal values which is worth pursuing.
I’ve seen this book recommended several times in the past few months, even though it was originally published in 1974. It’s an autobiography of a motorcycle trip taken by a father and son, and it’s larger meaning in the journey of life.
While there is a lot of motorcycle maintenance within the book, it is ultimately a philosophical search for meaning and the best way to live a good life. Pirsig’s journey is haunted by a ghost, Phaedrus, which helps him confront the difficult situation he’s in with his son and the impact his son’s illness will have on their relationship.
While there is a lot of motorcycle maintenance within the book, it is ultimately a philosophical search for meaning and the best way to live a good life. Pirsig’s journey is haunted by a ghost, Phaedrus, which helps him confront the difficult situation he’s in with his son and the impact his son’s illness will have on their relationship.
I started this book in High School and couldn't get through it. I picked it up again after college and barely got started. I finally decided to plow through it.
This is not my type of book.
It's been interesting to read the comments and reactions of other readers. Many fall into a category like me, who didn't enjoy the book or gain much from it. Some have called them lazy readers. I'm normally a very thoughtful and involved reader, but my general lack of interest in the way philosophy is taught and approached definitely came into play here. I couldn't get engrossed in the content.
Also:
- were motorcycles really that unreliable? Technology had come a long way.
- were university professors really that arrogant and fragile? There's an intense scene about the narrator's refusal to answer a question, causing major psychological distress to one professor, who stopped coming to class. Then, after pointing out to another professor some words from the text (analogy), that professor falls apart as well. My father was a professor, I have a BS and MS, and these scenes came across as a little comical.
- what a distant and uncaring father figure. There's an interesting moment of empathy at the end when Chris stands up on the foot pegs and the narrator realizes that before, on the motorcycle, Chris only had a view of his back. It was boring for Chris.
This is not my type of book.
It's been interesting to read the comments and reactions of other readers. Many fall into a category like me, who didn't enjoy the book or gain much from it. Some have called them lazy readers. I'm normally a very thoughtful and involved reader, but my general lack of interest in the way philosophy is taught and approached definitely came into play here. I couldn't get engrossed in the content.
Also:
- were motorcycles really that unreliable? Technology had come a long way.
- were university professors really that arrogant and fragile? There's an intense scene about the narrator's refusal to answer a question, causing major psychological distress to one professor, who stopped coming to class. Then, after pointing out to another professor some words from the text (analogy), that professor falls apart as well. My father was a professor, I have a BS and MS, and these scenes came across as a little comical.
- what a distant and uncaring father figure. There's an interesting moment of empathy at the end when Chris stands up on the foot pegs and the narrator realizes that before, on the motorcycle, Chris only had a view of his back. It was boring for Chris.
I read this in my freshman year of college. I found the first 2/3 of the book wonderful, and the last third a bit redundant. I think I didn't ever quite finish it.
Surprisingly thorough and engaging. Will think about it long after the last pg
Not sure why so many people raved about it. I didn't get much out of it. I did find some of the philosophical concepts interesting but some of it was over my head too.
I just didn't get this book. I couldn't figure out what the audience was supposed to be. It isn't a book on the philosophy of life, unlike the title suggests. It is too dense and boring for people without knowledge of western philosophy, and not sophisticated enough for those with it. Maybe the text just doesn't work as an audiobook, I don't know. But I couldn't wait for it to end.
A mystical journey through a nervous breakdown in progress. And there's some stuff about motorbikes too.
This is the best book I've read in years, possibly ever. It brings philosophy to life and, although not all the ideas are "new", he finds fresh and intelligent ways of tying these more abstract questions to concrete analogies such as motorcycle maintenance. This book is based on the author's life, although he's expanded upon it to make the story more cohesive. Part philosophy, part psychological thriller: Not only did this book combine the best aspects of two of my favorite genres, it made me want to buy a motorcycle! This is a book you can read and re-read over and over.