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 A "Da Vinci Code " for the 1970s July 7, 2008
I read this years ago, when I was studying Greek and Latin literature and Philosophy at university, and dismissed it more or less out of hand.
Coming back to it as a 40 year old father (the same age as Pirsig was when he made the journey depicted in the novel with his son)I found much more to enjoy and be affected by in the story itself. There is no doubt that the theme of the alienated son and father being reunited recalls that of the Odyssey and is genuinely moving, if clumsily resolved.
As for the philosophy, well, Pirsig admits without any embarrassment in his 1999 introduction to the book that, at the time of writing, he thought, quite incorrectly, that Phaedrus means wolf in Classical Greek. If you can't deal with a word like wolf, you won't exaclty handle mythos, logos or the technical terms in philosophical writing. If someone who clearly has no Greek at all wishes to pass himself off as an authority on the Pre-Socratics, or Plato, or Aristotle, that is just a bit embarrassing, really, and tells you all you need to know about how seriously to take his views.
Therefore the book strikes me as a (very superior, admittedly) Da Vinci Code for its day - a good story ornamented with some specious learning, and none the worse for that, as long as it is not taken seriously.
If Pirsig wants us to walk away thinking we should apply ourselves to our work a bit more and generally try harder, that is no bad thing, and as he admits himself, nobody would disagree with the message, but don't go looking for any great secret of life here. It is just a nice book.
 The hallmarks of a good read, but.... May 25, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This appears to have all the hallmarks of a good read for me: I'm very interested in philosophy, psychology, travel (plus a bit of a hippie so I'm sure there's a latent Buddhist in me somewhere). However, after trying this twice - and putting it down both times, never to be picked up again - I just can't see what the hype is about and am left wondering who this book actually appeals to. There doesn't seem to be anything vivid, interesting, or gripping about it. One of those books that I wanted to like so much, but found incredibly disappointing. Over-rated.
Over Rated. January 18, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I bought and read this a few years back. The main reason was because it was highly recommended by some university types. I'm going to draw some flak on this review, because if you don't give it a 5, everyone thinks your a shallow pulp novel individual (which may be the case to a certain extent)...
The simple truth was that I couldn't really engage with the central character. Yes, there are a few moments of clarity - like when he discusses making parts himself. Unfortunately, the best elements become subsumed in a relatively dull life story. In other words, I found it dragged a bit. I didn't expect loads of action, but I did expect there to be a good deal more practical activity and a good deal less introspective discussion. I've got sympathy for the lead character (the author, as it turns out) - I just didn't enjoy his journey. The whole trip went nowhere and no-one seemed to have very much fun. Maybe I'm not supposed to have enjoyed reading it?
 Relevant for today's IT workplace December 14, 2007
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Like many, I work in the computing / IT industry. I first read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance as a first year undergrad at the Poly of Wales, as part of a course called 'Science, Technology and Society'. It was the only hands-on module, much maligned by many and taught by a great guy, who I remember as Red Des.
Re-reading it now has enabled me to rediscover and discover the many themes in the book but specifically the discussion on the Philosophy of Quality. Pirsig's method of presentation as a series of 'fables' makes it a very readable philosophy book with some lighter subjects and some more fundamental.
I did some research about Pirsig as I was reading it this time and it adds to the context and background to the book. Its a must read and is more relevant today than in the early 70's. As Pirsig espouses, turn off the TV and let your mind think.
A 'beautiful book' December 10, 2007
If you want to read a 'road-trip' interwoven with philosophy and a fascinating personal story then you should read this book. It isn't an easy going paperback nor is it a full-on treatise on philosophy; but a wonderful mix which works for me!
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