Robert Pirsig d. 24 April 2017 age 88
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Thread: Robert Pirsig d. 24 April 2017 age 88

  1. #1
    Senior Member 53driver's Avatar
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    Robert Pirsig d. 24 April 2017 age 88

    For those of you who have read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" this is a sad thing.
    Pirsig was one of those 'insane/genius' types and his diatribes into the "Metaphysics of Quality" in that book are truly mind altering.

    For those of you who have not read it, these obits kind of sum up the background behind the author and may incite you to read his book.
    However, this book is not for everyone and is a difficult read.
    It also causes one to actually think. A lot.

    Cheers,
    Steve


    http://www.latimes.com/local/obituar...424-story.html

    https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/24/b...ance.html?_r=0
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  2. #2
    I often refer to this quote when engaged in discussions of what brand of motorcycle is best for all.


    "The test of the machine is the satisfaction it gives you. There isn't any other test. If the machine produces tranquility, it's right. If it disturbs you, it's wrong until either the machine or your mind is changed." - Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values

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    Moderator BIGLRY's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Retired Army View Post
    I often refer to this quote when engaged in discussions of what brand of motorcycle is best for all.


    "The test of the machine is the satisfaction it gives you. There isn't any other test. If the machine produces tranquility, it's right. If it disturbs you, it's wrong until either the machine or your mind is changed." - Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values

    The guy who invented the first wheel was an idiot -
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    Senior Member Elroy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 53driver View Post
    For those of you who have read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" this is a sad thing.
    Pirsig was one of those 'insane/genius' types and his diatribes into the "Metaphysics of Quality" in that book are truly mind altering.

    For those of you who have not read it, these obits kind of sum up the background behind the author and may incite you to read his book.
    However, this book is not for everyone and is a difficult read.
    It also causes one to actually think. A lot.

    Cheers,
    Steve


    http://www.latimes.com/local/obituar...424-story.html

    https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/24/b...ance.html?_r=0
    I think it may have done just that.

    Thanks for the post 53, and the links to the obits, enjoyed reading them. I might have to visit my local library and check it out. The obits alone make you think...

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    Senior Member 53driver's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Elroy View Post
    I think it may have done just that.

    Thanks for the post 53, and the links to the obits, enjoyed reading them. I might have to visit my local library and check it out. The obits alone make you think...
    Well, I confess it is not a book you do not re-read.
    I've been through it several times.
    Making notes...

    Paperback editions are inexpensive.
    https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Art-Motor...le+maintenance

    Cheers,
    Steve
    My girls:
    Isleen - 2014 F6BD
    Saorla - 1995 FLSTN Heritage Special


    "Politeness, n: The most acceptable hypocrisy."
    Ambrose Bierce

  6. #6
    Senior Member Elroy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 53driver View Post
    Well, I confess it is not a book you do not re-read.
    I've been through it several times.
    Making notes...

    Paperback editions are inexpensive.
    https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Art-Motor...le+maintenance

    Cheers,
    Steve
    Wow, yes they are. Even hardback is relatively inexpensive.

  7. #7
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    My mother was an professor of literature and passed along her copy of "Zen" to me after she read it. I still have it and it is dog eared.

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    Senior Member Bill1584's Avatar
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    Thanks Steve. Just ordered the hardback. This is one I always meant to read, but never seemed to make the time.

    Where is Stro?

  9. #9
    Senior Member 53driver's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bill1584 View Post
    Thanks Steve. Just ordered the hardback. This is one I always meant to read, but never seemed to make the time.

    Where is Stro?
    Stro is around.....
    Saw him - and only him - at the Texas RTE last month.
    Spent the night at his place.
    We were missing you.

    We spoke a few days ago.

    How you been doing?

  10. #10
    Senior Member Redlinez's Avatar
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    I just read a little bit. Reminds me of the struggle I had trying to read the "Screwtape Letters".
    18 Kawasaki Z900RS black
    1989-1995 IC2- USN

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