Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Robert Pirsig published Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance in 1974. Pirsig writes from the perspective of a motorcyclist and a “retired” academic. So, this is not a book for young people because its narratives (or philosophical discussions) are about growing up, life decisions, and learning to find your place. It’s about accepting reality — In Pirsig’s case, the reality of Pirsig and his 10 year old son riding a motorcycle from the middle of the US to California.

The plot of the book combines three threads: A road trip with a son who was traumatized by his father’s insanity (it’s not until well into the book that Pirsig clearly says that another character — Phaedrus, who went crazy in his quest to understand quality — was his earlier self); a zen guide to taking one’s time to understand the ebb and flow of a motorcycle as machine; and a philosophical quest to understand why he went crazy. Along the way, we get some fascinating insights on obtaining quality from our lives.

Pirsig’s manuscript was rejected by numerous publishers before one editor agreed to work with him — not just to consider the manuscript, but also to develop the book (it took 6 years). Well-written and intensely interesting, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is capable of changing a reader’s life. If he pays attention.

5 star recommendation for one the best books of the 1970s. Never fear, you don't have to be a mechanic to understand and enjoy the book. In fact, it's probably better if you're not.