If you love philosophy or motorcycles,you simply must read this. It inspired me to buy a motorcycle & take a 4,000 mile trip around the West. Best trip I've ever taken BTW.
Why are people comparing ages...? I'm 16, loved it, did an essay on why it will continue to be popular..., but it is a great piece of literature that many people may not know of. I came out of the experience with a truly different outlook on alot of things. And im stubborn as fuck.
Omfg. I'm on page 255 of this book, and honestly I feel it's shit. I understand its trite existentialism. I understand that not all knowledge can be gained from the scientific method. What pisses me off is this romantic, bullshit notion of Quality. IT'S SIMPLY SUBJECTIVITY IN DISGUISE. It's such a formulaic, cheap sort of mysticism to invent something that transcends the objective/subjective dichotomy and claim that it's undefinable. Quality is just an excuse to be ambiguous.
The book is a essentialy a study and a dictated version of metaphysics. Untill you appreciate the knowledge beyond your own and that of which we understand as humans, the book won't make much sense. Sometimes you have to be ambiguous, or else we woulden't learn anything.
@xxTheILLPilLxx As a 16-year-old, you may be moderately smart for your age. However, you may be falling into the memorization trap. This is where you read things you think apply to you and cling to them like it's your first girlfriend. You memorize its quotes and the author's name..but If you were older, and you had an intuitive understanding of subjectivity vs objectivity and thought PRIMARILY for yourself, instead of mindlessly adopting others' ideas, you would see that it's a silly book.
I see this book as exactly that, a promotion for individual thought. I had to write an essay on this thing and one of the point i stressed was the flaws in the educational system that he points out. I dont like to think of myself of some sort of a sponge for other people's ideas and understandings, but never the less that is the goal of out system. I'm just happy my English teacher is nothing short of a genius or I would most definitly be failing.
You also have to remember that students are forced to memorize and recite, but not to think for themselves.But im well aware of this fact and that is what i believe is important.
This book is so amazing. I have become so attached to it because I have a strange feeling whenever I read it-it's like I'm reading something I wrote and forgot about. Pirsig's writings are like my thoughts exactly written down in front of me.
We have to live in this world and we want to be a productive part of it, no matter how ethically and morally troubled it may be. We know, as well, there are other ethical and moral disciplines that are superior to the West in many ways and we feel it in our hearts too often. Mr. Pirsig seeks to combine them for sanity's sake. It is a worthwhile read.
Read the book in 1975 at age 25. Best book I ever read. A good read of this work will give an understanding of where all the bullshit comes from.
The best part is with this understanding you realize no bodies bullshit smells much better than anyone elses.The same with logic in fact the more refined the argument the more likely it's
total bullshit.The fun part is watching folks digest there own shit and think it tastes good. And I include my bullshit as well .
OK self pitying loners, I bought your stinking book tonight, (112308) and I will see what all the fuss is about, If this turns out to be a lord of the friggin rings thing, hippy heads will roll!
I think that things said here are clear "as a summer sky", I knew those things for years, but...I prefer these things much more likely to be DONE than to be just said...
Amazing book. I'm 18 and I think it is still changing me a bit while thinking about this book after having read it. It's one of books that takes time to read and fully understand what you've just read. Don't rush with it, otherwise you can't fully appreciate the thoughts there, I think.Surely the book I recomend. One of mine two life changing books.
Great video, thank's for posting it. What's the music there please?
this book has made me schizophranic...twice, there's more stipulation to it, but this book definitely helped! not dogging it at all, just goes to show you how intense it is
I'm 21 and just finished the book 3 hours ago. I feel stimulated and a sense of real excitement i have not felt since i fell in love for the first time. The book is a mastepiece. I know you may see this as cheap coming from someone of my age and limitation as far as experience and my lack of it but for what its worth i know this book has the potential to change my life and the way I look at the world.
If you actually read Zen... and couldn't find at least a small amount of intellectual or spiritual insight, then I feel really bad for you. I would think that almost anybody with an open mind and a fuctioning brain can get something out of this book.
This book is more or less "not" life changing in the least. Good book? No....full of Pirsigs weird ideas of how a human should be? Yes......not worth spit.
'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' changed my life. It took me through atheism and depression, to belief in God. Then I read the Qur'an, and the truth was confirmed.
Yep. It changed my life too. How did it change my life? It introduced me to the world of philosophy (I went on to read the Platonic Dialogues - Pirsig mistranslates Phaedrus as a wolf - it means shining or bright). Then I realised I wanted to write my own metaphysical statement which has kept me going for 20 years. Thank You, Mr Prisig, for half a lifetime of inspiration.
Where you hoping for action and drama? It's a philosophy book. Have you read any other philosophy books?
It's supposed to get you to think, and question your own views and values, but I guess it would be a waste of time if the person reading it doesn't wonder these things already in his free time.
There's nothing wrong with that, the book just isn't for you I guess.
I just dont think you guys realize how unimportant that book really is. It is the rantings of someone who is not mentaly stable. By no means is he dumb. He is proablably a genius. But when someone writes a book and just puts their opinion on every single page, its not a book. Its a large large rant, and putting faith into opinions of someone who has suffered much mental illness, in turn may harm you.
I read this book when I was 17. Today Im 44 and Im still rate this book as the most important book I ever read. Btw my handle "Faidros" is how "Phaedrus" is spelled in the swedish translation.
do you remember what part he talks about the ghosts of the scientific method? his argument is probably the most concise out of anything else i've seen.
im not sure which comment you are replying to... but i am guessing how i said all atheists must read this book. its not so much that this book gives anybody faith in god but it sort of indirectly undermines the logic that denies god. again, not really denying the denial of god (heh) but certainly posing the notion that science doesn't know.
gu88766 how can you exist? Sometimes it baffles me that someone can think that "science doesn't know" but at the same time be living off of all of its fruits. I am of course assuming that the only way you posted here was with a computer and telecommunications and everything that science, engineering and math quite literally helps FEED you with. Just try and exist without what you call science! Luddite... By the way I love the video it does describe a problem.
people like me exist because we are skeptical about the function of technology. luddite is the wrong word because i wouldn't advocate the smashing of science or technology. just a recognition of its limitations and unwanted consequences.
Yes read every word. I understand it in that special Quality sense. Notice big Q. I believe it states the problem and transfers it completely to a problem of Quality. The only reason you are "Skeptical", Big "S" is because you have never tried to understand/learn-about it. That portion of a technologist brain that is developed and earned, specifically not born, is weak and flabby with those that are "skeptical". By the way I am a Designer. I have to use full Quality to do my job.
It is lofty and hard and I might not even do it that well but I always try for Quality. I thought that (an Artist?) a person that is Quality oriented would try for Quality at all times wasn't that one of Pirsig's messages? Do not lack in anything for everything comes from Quality. It is all connected(Zen). You are not dead, try again.!? To quit is to kill that part of yourself.
gu88766 how can you exist? Sometimes it baffles me that someone can think that "science doesn't know" but at the same time be living off of all of its fruits. I am of course assuming that the only way you posted here was with a computer and telecommunications and everything that science, engineering and math quite literally helps FEED you with. Just try and exist without what you call science! Luddite... By the way I love the video it does describe a problem.
nice video super - im a fan of Pirsig too - this book was what got me interested in philosophy. I got number 7 out of 500 signed hardback copies of Lila for Xmas. Would be interesting to hear if u actually agree with the metaphysics of quality stuff.
that is awesome. I still haven't read Lila yet, need to do that soon though. As far as agreeng with his metaphysics of quality stuff, its been too long since Ive this book. I was reading random parts of it earlier today, however, and found myself agreeing with almost everything he said.
i love that quote. Thanks for sharing! there were quite a few typos though, you might want to edit them out and repost or something. i don't want haters beating on ya
yea i realized that after i put it up...oh well. most of them are at the very end, and i figure anyone that makes it that far will probably not be the "hater" type anyway. thanks though. glad you liked it.
music?
smguess 9 months ago
If you love philosophy or motorcycles,you simply must read this. It inspired me to buy a motorcycle & take a 4,000 mile trip around the West. Best trip I've ever taken BTW.
BeardedCIam 1 year ago
Why are people comparing ages...? I'm 16, loved it, did an essay on why it will continue to be popular..., but it is a great piece of literature that many people may not know of. I came out of the experience with a truly different outlook on alot of things. And im stubborn as fuck.
xxTheILLPilLxx 1 year ago
@xxTheILLPilLxx Im 58 first read this when I was about thirty and left an lasting impression on me
critchley3819 1 year ago
Omfg. I'm on page 255 of this book, and honestly I feel it's shit. I understand its trite existentialism. I understand that not all knowledge can be gained from the scientific method. What pisses me off is this romantic, bullshit notion of Quality. IT'S SIMPLY SUBJECTIVITY IN DISGUISE. It's such a formulaic, cheap sort of mysticism to invent something that transcends the objective/subjective dichotomy and claim that it's undefinable. Quality is just an excuse to be ambiguous.
JoshRom 1 year ago
@JoshRom
The book is a essentialy a study and a dictated version of metaphysics. Untill you appreciate the knowledge beyond your own and that of which we understand as humans, the book won't make much sense. Sometimes you have to be ambiguous, or else we woulden't learn anything.
xxTheILLPilLxx 1 year ago
@xxTheILLPilLxx As a 16-year-old, you may be moderately smart for your age. However, you may be falling into the memorization trap. This is where you read things you think apply to you and cling to them like it's your first girlfriend. You memorize its quotes and the author's name..but If you were older, and you had an intuitive understanding of subjectivity vs objectivity and thought PRIMARILY for yourself, instead of mindlessly adopting others' ideas, you would see that it's a silly book.
JoshRom 1 year ago
@JoshRom
I see this book as exactly that, a promotion for individual thought. I had to write an essay on this thing and one of the point i stressed was the flaws in the educational system that he points out. I dont like to think of myself of some sort of a sponge for other people's ideas and understandings, but never the less that is the goal of out system. I'm just happy my English teacher is nothing short of a genius or I would most definitly be failing.
xxTheILLPilLxx 1 year ago
@JoshRom
You also have to remember that students are forced to memorize and recite, but not to think for themselves.But im well aware of this fact and that is what i believe is important.
xxTheILLPilLxx 1 year ago
@JoshRom Correct! Completely agree. worse book I ever read. it's pompous mumbo jumbo
thewiffenpoof 1 year ago
This book is my bible. I'm currently reading Lila, and it's blowing my mind just as hard :V Just curious, what was the audio that got removed?
illznik2 1 year ago
err, foot in mouth moment below. thats what i get for commenting before the video's over.
illznik2 1 year ago
As wonderful of this book is, the sequel is absolutely phenomenal. So many ideas, so much to digest. Terrific!
kingdave84 2 years ago
This book is so amazing. I have become so attached to it because I have a strange feeling whenever I read it-it's like I'm reading something I wrote and forgot about. Pirsig's writings are like my thoughts exactly written down in front of me.
Fredgar125 2 years ago
Yes misterbucket head Im just teaming with bull. You got to love it.
jobedied 2 years ago
We have to live in this world and we want to be a productive part of it, no matter how ethically and morally troubled it may be. We know, as well, there are other ethical and moral disciplines that are superior to the West in many ways and we feel it in our hearts too often. Mr. Pirsig seeks to combine them for sanity's sake. It is a worthwhile read.
athlomar 2 years ago
Read the book in 1975 at age 25. Best book I ever read. A good read of this work will give an understanding of where all the bullshit comes from.
The best part is with this understanding you realize no bodies bullshit smells much better than anyone elses.The same with logic in fact the more refined the argument the more likely it's
total bullshit.The fun part is watching folks digest there own shit and think it tastes good. And I include my bullshit as well .
jobedied 3 years ago 4
are you bullshitting me?
lol
misterbuckethead 2 years ago
OK self pitying loners, I bought your stinking book tonight, (112308) and I will see what all the fuss is about, If this turns out to be a lord of the friggin rings thing, hippy heads will roll!
lifeinpictures 3 years ago
What did you think?
tbgx1 2 years ago
The words are orgasmic
and the song is "ain't talkin" for Bob Dylan
absolutness 3 years ago
Don't forget to read 'Lila', the other half .....
Nautilus1972 3 years ago
I think that things said here are clear "as a summer sky", I knew those things for years, but...I prefer these things much more likely to be DONE than to be just said...
HenryGeee 3 years ago
lol, if I was looking carefully I would have seen that it's written there in the of the video...
PivnyMag 3 years ago
thanks!
PivnyMag 3 years ago
Amazing book. I'm 18 and I think it is still changing me a bit while thinking about this book after having read it. It's one of books that takes time to read and fully understand what you've just read. Don't rush with it, otherwise you can't fully appreciate the thoughts there, I think.Surely the book I recomend. One of mine two life changing books.
Great video, thank's for posting it. What's the music there please?
PivnyMag 3 years ago
Its a song off Dylans new album. Called "walkin" i think
superfrodies 3 years ago
@PivnyMag what's the other book?
kosmarciukas 1 year ago
this book has made me schizophranic...twice, there's more stipulation to it, but this book definitely helped! not dogging it at all, just goes to show you how intense it is
jacobskeetskeet 3 years ago
This book introduced me to so much.....
Burtnernie 3 years ago
i feel similar to how i felt after watching a full performance by bill hicks for the first time. Nice choice of song btw.
patrickofdundee 3 years ago
I'm 21 and just finished the book 3 hours ago. I feel stimulated and a sense of real excitement i have not felt since i fell in love for the first time. The book is a mastepiece. I know you may see this as cheap coming from someone of my age and limitation as far as experience and my lack of it but for what its worth i know this book has the potential to change my life and the way I look at the world.
patrickofdundee 3 years ago
I'm only 22. a once in a lifetime read for sure. thanks for your comment patrick.
superfrodies 3 years ago
If you actually read Zen... and couldn't find at least a small amount of intellectual or spiritual insight, then I feel really bad for you. I would think that almost anybody with an open mind and a fuctioning brain can get something out of this book.
SkiesToInfinity 4 years ago
i know, right?
superfrodies 4 years ago
This book is more or less "not" life changing in the least. Good book? No....full of Pirsigs weird ideas of how a human should be? Yes......not worth spit.
farleydog1990 4 years ago
well...i suppose everyone is entitled to their opinion, but cruelty toward the author is unnecessary.
AmOnySeriOusLY 4 years ago
but he writes a book with no outcome. He is searching for the meaning of quality and all he can come up with is that
"Quality can not be defined, but can be recognized."? ughhh frustrating.
farleydog1990 4 years ago
yeah, i kno...admittedly...it took me awhile to appreciate it
AmOnySeriOusLY 4 years ago
uhhh....as if that's not a fulfilling find....
joshdesk 3 years ago
@farleydog1990 the outcome was between him and his son
valeo626 1 year ago
it's the best book I've ever red...
Leorock91 4 years ago
read*
farleydog1990 4 years ago
excuse me, i'm italian. sei pignolo! :D
Leorock91 4 years ago
'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' changed my life. It took me through atheism and depression, to belief in God. Then I read the Qur'an, and the truth was confirmed.
oclandestin 4 years ago
yeah it is a spectacular book. i read it at a pivotal time in my life as well, really helped me. glad you enjoyed my video!
superfrodies 4 years ago
Just one questiong...how can it change your life? I mean he doesnt solve anything...and he mumbles on about nothing for 300 pages.
farleydog1990 4 years ago
Yep. It changed my life too. How did it change my life? It introduced me to the world of philosophy (I went on to read the Platonic Dialogues - Pirsig mistranslates Phaedrus as a wolf - it means shining or bright). Then I realised I wanted to write my own metaphysical statement which has kept me going for 20 years. Thank You, Mr Prisig, for half a lifetime of inspiration.
sircha01 4 years ago
you obviously just didn't understand it. not my fault. better luck next time.
superfrodies 4 years ago
no I understood it...it just wasn't life changing...it was a waste of paper.
farleydog1990 4 years ago
Where you hoping for action and drama? It's a philosophy book. Have you read any other philosophy books?
It's supposed to get you to think, and question your own views and values, but I guess it would be a waste of time if the person reading it doesn't wonder these things already in his free time.
There's nothing wrong with that, the book just isn't for you I guess.
LSDude 4 years ago
I just dont think you guys realize how unimportant that book really is. It is the rantings of someone who is not mentaly stable. By no means is he dumb. He is proablably a genius. But when someone writes a book and just puts their opinion on every single page, its not a book. Its a large large rant, and putting faith into opinions of someone who has suffered much mental illness, in turn may harm you.
farleydog1990 4 years ago
Don't be scared. It's a leap of faith. It won't make you mad, it will help you overcome your fear. embrace it.
bsjunior 2 years ago
@farleydog1990 who isn't mentally ill?
valeo626 1 year ago
I read this book when I was 17. Today Im 44 and Im still rate this book as the most important book I ever read. Btw my handle "Faidros" is how "Phaedrus" is spelled in the swedish translation.
Faidros62 4 years ago
awesome. i'm only 22 but i still consider it one of my favs, probably always will.
superfrodies 4 years ago
i feel like an idiot, trying to remember what robert described as 'ghosts of the scientific meathod'
this is a must read for all atheists, no?
gu88766 4 years ago
for sure
superfrodies 4 years ago
do you remember what part he talks about the ghosts of the scientific method? his argument is probably the most concise out of anything else i've seen.
gu88766 4 years ago
not really cuz its been about two years since i read it and its a long book. sorry!
superfrodies 4 years ago
yeah... it looks like i'll have to read it again =)
gu88766 4 years ago
@gu88766 infinite hypotheses, fingerprint of god kind of thing? look up the secret life of chaos documentary
valeo626 1 year ago
In what sense?
tangneyk 4 years ago
im not sure which comment you are replying to... but i am guessing how i said all atheists must read this book. its not so much that this book gives anybody faith in god but it sort of indirectly undermines the logic that denies god. again, not really denying the denial of god (heh) but certainly posing the notion that science doesn't know.
gu88766 4 years ago
gu88766 how can you exist? Sometimes it baffles me that someone can think that "science doesn't know" but at the same time be living off of all of its fruits. I am of course assuming that the only way you posted here was with a computer and telecommunications and everything that science, engineering and math quite literally helps FEED you with. Just try and exist without what you call science! Luddite... By the way I love the video it does describe a problem.
plemke1 4 years ago
people like me exist because we are skeptical about the function of technology. luddite is the wrong word because i wouldn't advocate the smashing of science or technology. just a recognition of its limitations and unwanted consequences.
gu88766 4 years ago
have you read zen and the art of...? pick it up. also, i recently finished a book by neil postman called amusing ourselves to death.
gu88766 4 years ago
Yes read every word. I understand it in that special Quality sense. Notice big Q. I believe it states the problem and transfers it completely to a problem of Quality. The only reason you are "Skeptical", Big "S" is because you have never tried to understand/learn-about it. That portion of a technologist brain that is developed and earned, specifically not born, is weak and flabby with those that are "skeptical". By the way I am a Designer. I have to use full Quality to do my job.
plemke1 4 years ago
now my being skeptical of one end of the spectrum does not imply that i completely embrace the other end! =o
i think it is a lofty claim, to walk the thin line in the middle. but if you think you can do it, thats awesome =)
gu88766 4 years ago
It is lofty and hard and I might not even do it that well but I always try for Quality. I thought that (an Artist?) a person that is Quality oriented would try for Quality at all times wasn't that one of Pirsig's messages? Do not lack in anything for everything comes from Quality. It is all connected(Zen). You are not dead, try again.!? To quit is to kill that part of yourself.
plemke1 4 years ago
something like that. was that in zen or in layla?
gu88766 4 years ago
gu88766 how can you exist? Sometimes it baffles me that someone can think that "science doesn't know" but at the same time be living off of all of its fruits. I am of course assuming that the only way you posted here was with a computer and telecommunications and everything that science, engineering and math quite literally helps FEED you with. Just try and exist without what you call science! Luddite... By the way I love the video it does describe a problem.
plemke1 4 years ago
i just ordered the book for $0.01! haha
zoso4230 4 years ago
wow what a steal.
superfrodies 4 years ago
¤ TAT TVAM ASI ¤
x9one9x 4 years ago
exactly...
superfrodies 4 years ago
The book that changed my life in 1992..Phaedrus Phorever!!!
nwrhino 5 years ago
here here!
superfrodies 5 years ago
hey sf check out the latest video by beckirebecca on the beat generation. you would love it.
pennilesscripple 5 years ago
I must get that book. Everytime I resolve to buy it, the local book shop has sold out! :-P
Webwych 5 years ago
it is truly one of the best books I've ever read. and the author is from my hometown!
superfrodies 5 years ago
nice video super - im a fan of Pirsig too - this book was what got me interested in philosophy. I got number 7 out of 500 signed hardback copies of Lila for Xmas. Would be interesting to hear if u actually agree with the metaphysics of quality stuff.
leadbellydan 5 years ago
that is awesome. I still haven't read Lila yet, need to do that soon though. As far as agreeng with his metaphysics of quality stuff, its been too long since Ive this book. I was reading random parts of it earlier today, however, and found myself agreeing with almost everything he said.
superfrodies 5 years ago
i love that quote. Thanks for sharing! there were quite a few typos though, you might want to edit them out and repost or something. i don't want haters beating on ya
RLByrum 5 years ago
yea i realized that after i put it up...oh well. most of them are at the very end, and i figure anyone that makes it that far will probably not be the "hater" type anyway. thanks though. glad you liked it.
superfrodies 5 years ago
"Primary America" vs. "The Real Individual"
I'm gonna go check me out that book.
Thanks.
U2bianSynic 5 years ago