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sarah_tellesbo 's review for:
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values
by Robert M. Pirsig
So I have a confession to make. I read this book because it was referenced in an old-time Will & Grace episode. And it is absolutely, 100% NOT what I was expecting. At times I convince myself that lighthearted comedy yields lighthearted comedy, but that is almost never the case— in cable television or in life…
So riddle me this: What is insanity? Some may argue that insanity is one’s loosening grip on reality. Philosophically, though, that definition leads us nowhere. The answer begs yet another unanswerable question: If insanity is the loss of reality, what is reality?
Don’t fret if you have no coherent response, Pirsig takes us through the whole gamut of answers. And man, were there some dry bits in there! Once I hit the disorienting peak of discussion about the progression of classic Greek philosophy I swear I could see little dust particles floating from the pages. Not for the faint of heart (mind?).
Overall, though, the message of this complex father-son story was quite deep and wise. The subtle emotion and humanity written into it was real and honest, as well, which always gives a book its soul. And, in an afterword added years after publication, a surprising turn of events makes it all even more profound. (No spoilers here, but if you’re going to read it, read it through!)
Life is a terrifying experience, especially in light of the fundamentally undefined and uncertain nature of existence. But there is always some beauty in chaos and, if you can keep your wits about you, some peace in the thoughtful deconstruction of everything you know to be true.
So riddle me this: What is insanity? Some may argue that insanity is one’s loosening grip on reality. Philosophically, though, that definition leads us nowhere. The answer begs yet another unanswerable question: If insanity is the loss of reality, what is reality?
Don’t fret if you have no coherent response, Pirsig takes us through the whole gamut of answers. And man, were there some dry bits in there! Once I hit the disorienting peak of discussion about the progression of classic Greek philosophy I swear I could see little dust particles floating from the pages. Not for the faint of heart (mind?).
Overall, though, the message of this complex father-son story was quite deep and wise. The subtle emotion and humanity written into it was real and honest, as well, which always gives a book its soul. And, in an afterword added years after publication, a surprising turn of events makes it all even more profound. (No spoilers here, but if you’re going to read it, read it through!)
Life is a terrifying experience, especially in light of the fundamentally undefined and uncertain nature of existence. But there is always some beauty in chaos and, if you can keep your wits about you, some peace in the thoughtful deconstruction of everything you know to be true.