Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
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.
I’ve spent two years crucifying my eyes on this book because people told me it’s one I “need to read.” Maybe it’s a sign of the times, but I’m finding I need less and less prescribed philosophy from privileged, white, straight men. This book is a temple of apathy garbed in a vestige of wisdom for anyone suffering an over abundance of privilege and a life of beige experience. It is a masterpiece of egotistical masturbation, disguised as self-flagellation so that the act appears to be revelatory intellectualism, instead of something that should find its way into the bin with the other used tissues.
I was quite impressed with the author's ability to navigate retrospectively through a chain of thoughts, making each point of the chain seem acceptable but ultimately rejecting most of them. I don't think the philosophical insights themselves were as interesting as the story of the experience of philosophy, which can cause tunnel-vision and drive one mad.
I think I prefer my philosophy neat and I also suspect that this book is dated for me (ie a book to read when young) or perhaps just dated. The philosophy is rather shapeless. On the other hand the biography is often moving, especially the end and the epilogue is very moving.
I have heard so much about this book and wanted to read it and love it so bad but I just didn't. This falls under the category of books like into the wild and the fightclub for me. That American 70s ampelofilosofies that now seem pretentious, superficial and out of place. Also, nothing to do with zen or spiritual philosophy.
Two stars because the underlying story was interesting at times.
Two stars because the underlying story was interesting at times.
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I really did not enjoy this book and struggled to get through it.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
I picked up this book thinking it was a travel book. I got that and so much more. On this trip you meet with the likes of Kant, Hume, Aristotle, Socrates and Plato. The narator is using his motorcycle trip across America as a tool to explore ideas of rhetoric, quality, the scientific method, technology, fear, acceptance and how to live a better life. Even though at times it's quite tedious to follow the carefully built argumentation, this has grown to be one of my favourite books and offered some good seeds for meditation.