ZEN and the ART of MOTORCYCLE MAiNTENANCE

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values is a 1974 philosophical novel, the first of Robert M. Pirsig's texts in which he explores his Metaphysics of Quality.

In its introduction, Pirsig explains that despite its title, "it should in no way be associated with that great body of factual information relating to orthodox Zen Buddhist practice. It's not very factual on motorcycles, either."

• "And what is good, Phaedrus
  And what is not good ···
  Need we ask anyone to tell us these things?"


• The truth knocks on the door, and you say: "Go away, I'm looking for the truth," and so it goes away.


• When one person suffers from a delusion, it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion, it is called Religion.


• To live only for some future goal, is shallow. It’s the sides of the mountain that sustain life, not the top. Here's where things grow.


• When you look directly at an insane man, all you see is a reflection of your own knowledge that he's insane, which is not to see him at all.