AN INQUIRY INTO VALUES

I read Robert M. Pirsig’s famous book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values, when it came out in the 70’s and recently enjoyed it again.  Of course the book is more a work of philosophy and the pursuit of “Quality” than a story about motorcycles.  However, there are some fine rider’s quotes, including the following that is so understated and sweet:

“You see things vacationing on a motorcycle in a way that is completely different from any other.”

The story itself is set against the backdrop of a father and son cross-country motorcycle tour. The tale does include some wonderful passages regarding the long-distance riding experience, and the sub-story behind the actual message of the book represents a historical contrast to the touring accouterments available to today’s cross-country tourer relative to a simpler era of the 70’s.

The book is a great read for anyone philosophically inclined, but holds an especially compelling interest for any motorcyclist. This is a thoughtful book of understated wisdom.

ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE (ZAAM):

Click For ZAMM