Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance author dies age 88
“Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value.” - Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Robert M. Pirsig, the author of one of the most famous works of motorcycle literature, has died, aged 88.
Published in 1974, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is about a 17-day father and son motorcycle trip from Minnesota to Northern California. Many philosophical discussions take place throughout the novel between them and two friends who join them for the first part of the journey. The maintenance of their motorcycles is used as a metaphor for the novel's philosophical concepts throughout.
The book deals with two types of mindsets. Put into its simplest form, the romantic Zen-like mindset similar to someone who's riding a motorcycle, and the rational knowledge-seeking mindset of the motorcycle mechanic. The main character's goal becomes one of balancing those values.
Pirsig passed away at his home in Maine on April 24th, 2017, after a period of ill health. His book, which was originally rejected by 121 publishers, has gone on to sell five million copies worldwide and is regularly referred to as one of the best motorbike books of all time.
Comments
26/04/2017 - Sad news
26/04/2017 - Bummer! RIP
26/04/2017 - RIP !
26/04/2017 - One of the best books I ever read.
27/04/17 - I always found Zen hard going but the 'quality' he was searching for came through and when I re -read it , the whole thing made more sense. Ride on man.
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