Zen..

"To truly experience quality one must both embrace and apply it as best fits the requirements of the situation."

Robert Pirsig and his son Chris

Such is the premise of the philosophical writings of Robert Pirsig, author of the 1974 book "Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance". But, don't be too fooled by the title. Pirsig said about his book... "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".

Still, here are a couple of quotes from the book which hit the nail on the head when it comes to riding. 

"You see things vacationing on a motorcycle in a way that is completely different from any other. In a car you're always in a compartment, and because you're used to it you don't realize that through that car window, everything you see is just more t.v.. You're a passive observer and it is all moving by you boringly in a frame"

"Unless you’re fond of hollering you don’t make great conversations on a running cycle. Instead you spend your time being aware of things and meditating on them. On sights and sounds, on the mood of the weather and things remembered, on the machine and the countryside you’re in, thinking about things at great leisure and length without being hurried and without feeling you're losing time."

While there are many books published about motorcycle touring before Pirsig wrote "Zen", he certainly lays claim to being perhaps the most widely read book on philosophy. Still in publication from 1974 to this day and having sold more than 5 million copies can back that claim up a bit I'd say!

Needless to say, the book, which was written more about philosophy and less about motorcycling, is not a real easy read. And though it is based on a trip that Pirsig took with his son on the pillion, the book is a fictional tale of a ride where the narrator describes the differences between the "romantic" and "classical" approaches to life, such being those who live in the moment and those who seek to know the details and master the mechanics of life. Ultimately, Pirsig believes the two can be blended together and live harmoniously.

If one can strive to "live a good and meaningful life"and "become one with the activity, engage in it fully, to see and appreciate the most minute detail", then one can be happy and fulfilled."

Robert Pirsig died On April 24 2016.

Side note...Pirsig did not have an easy life. He suffered from mental illness and receiving electroconvulsive therapy as treatment, much like the character in his book. His academic career was marked by frustration and it took Pirsig 121 attempts before he found a publisher willing to accept Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Sadly, the son who traveled with him on his Zen trip was murdered in a 1979 mugging.