Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig | Animated Summary and Review 

This is an amazing book. Some people think it is just a story interwoven with philosophy ideas, but it is so much more than that. I've read this book several times over the years and each time I come away from it with a sense of something special. The way this critic says it is not worth reading because there are better books out there is missing the point imo. It is not just a story interspersed with philosophical ideas, beacuse taken overall, it is a journey. A journey through life. We are all on that journey, which is why this book so important.

ZAMM is worth reading no matter who you are. However, I do think reading this in high school can be a bit overwhelming. I do feel this is one of those classic books that should be read like 1984, Brave New World, etc... It may take several attempts to finish ZAMM but its completely worth the effort. There are several sections in the book where Pirsig gets pretty deep but if you can weather those parts, ZAMM proves to be a rich story with life-changing ideas. I attempted to read this book in my 20s and it took me a good 6-7 attempts to finally get through to the end. Its the sort of book that you have to put down at times because it is so deep and it truly makes you stop and think. Once I finished it the first time, I return to it almost every year now because I find something new with each read. Besides the philosophical aspect of this book, there is the story of Robert and his son Chris which resonates with any father and son relationship. This book helped me to become a better father, husband, person... As a creative person, this book helped me out of "writers block" and completely changed the way I see the world. The review above scratches the surface and I disagree that there are other books that get more to the point... ZAMM gets deep into territory that few of us ever wander and for that reason, its worth investing the time and effort.

"Zen And The Art..." is a GREAT BOOK; for me, it was actually life changing, since it really helped me to (successfully) work through some pretty deep emotional problems I had in my youth. It made such a deep impact on me, it actually motivated me to get a driving licence, buy and rebuild a '74 model 850 cc Norton Commando motorcycle (which still sits, well preserved, in my garage) and make a 6000 km round trip in honour of Mr. Pirsig's work. The book was in my saddle bag the whole way, and had gotten green with mold when I finally made it back, so I have since replaced it with a hard cover copy.. "Not worth reading", my ass.. To me (and evidently a lot of other people) it looks like the owner of this channel has COMPLETELY MISSED THE POINT, and maybe, more than anybody else, needs to read it a second time..☺

Just finished it. Absolutely worth reading one hundred percent.

This is one of the favorite books I've ever read. I've read it 3 times in about 20 years. Strange that he says he doesn't think it's worth reading. It's a book that really made a big impression on me when I first read it at 18 years old. I think what helped me enjoy it is that I've always been a motorcycle rider/racer as well as someone with an interest in philosophy, relationships and I've dome my share of road trips. I think it's a real classic and definitely worth reading.

This book is a masterpiece, even after reading it seven times it's still a souce of inspiration. This analyses is quite good, but i can not understand how it's possible to advise against reading. That hurts!😢

Machines are a part of nature. Our minds, our tools, and all the raw materials we use to make them give birth to their existence. How we relate to them often is a reflection of how we relate to our children and to others around us. Getting stuck is recognizing that we must negotiate with the machine's resistance, which is our own resistance. We must peel back it constituents and recognize its layers that unravel in many ways with the purpose being unfolded. When we change the parts and rearrange them, we are changing our mindset, giving it a reset.

I tell people not to read the book if they won't commit to 100-pages, no matter what. By then it's usually too late. I think of it more as an intro to philosophy because it introduces many of the great thinkers that most people probably haven't looked deeply into. There are a ton of books that I never would have touched if not for this book raising questions when I was 19.

I really thought your review was very dismissive of a great book that involved a very long and deep personal struggle for the author. This is one of my favorite books of all time.

I read this book while I was building my first motorcycle, a CB360, which is a Honda motorcycle close to the CB77, which the author rode. It was a captivating read. I’m glad I had read it at such a pivotal time; the author opened my eyes to concepts of quality. The book brought balance to my life and also changed the way I approach new concepts. 100% worth a read. Especially if you’ve restored or owned a vintage Honda. The book will really resonate with you and if you ride, there will be many relative moments to your own life experiences.

This is an excellent book. The story is very interesting and I enjoyed his discourses on quality. This is not a book you should read quickly or in one sitting.. I remember reading 4 or 5 pages and then thinking about the concepts it is because this this is a deep and comprehensive comprehensive discussion of of philosophical ideas centered around and quality

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It was well done. I must agree with other commenters, though, that this summary misses most of the texture of the book. Said in the language of the book, this video satisfies the rational mind, but it does not address the emotional. And the "story" that this video admittedly skips entirely is far more than just a chance for your brain to absorb the philosophy.

I think it is worth reading. I read through it quite quickly while on meth a couple years ago. Now I'm looking back through it along with the parts I underlined and I realize there's is some deep truth in there worth ruminating on. Philosophy I'm realizing is something that takes time to digest and really ponder the ideas for some time to fully understand.

My grandfather was friends with Pirsig when they were stationed in Korea. He liked the guy but said he was a bit of a weirdo. He called my Pap up after they got back to America and tried to convince him to run away to Mexico. Always thought it sounded a bit gay.

the comparison of connection to the Tao Te Ching is 100% on point. not sure if Persig was a student of Lao Tzu and the Tao, but he uses the motorcycle and road trip to expose readers to the same concepts. P.S. I had a rad high school teacher in 1978 that made ZAAMM a required reading assignment and I’m forever grateful 45 years later. and when I started studying and embracing the Tao Te Ching years later, I realized ZAAMM was a perfect, modern day primer for the Tao. IMO, “Quality” for Persig is the “Oneness” of the Tao.

I thank you this book was given to me and I didn’t feel like it was worth reading but you confirmed it. Cheers

this is one of the best books one can and should read....i recommend this book for a very enriching reading

I appreciate your views on the book. Hope I will be able to evaluate the book better with the insights given by you . Thank you.

Good summary though and good video.

Had to read this book in High School. It was an interesting read as a teenager.

Thanks for a beautiful review. I got stuck half-way through the book as I felt the author is just rambling to make his point(s). Your review has given me a sort of map that will help me refine my expectations as I continue reading.

It is our thinking mind that projects experiences and values onto things before we're fully observing it as a neutral observer. It's that voice inside our heads that passes judgement at first sight. Our inner voice can be a negative Nancy. That's how humanity survived. It used to be a more dangerous world than it is today. Modern people, you and me, can choose mindfully what values and driving forces are important to us so that we can do more than survive; we can live a full and rewarding life, with all the ups and downs that make us grow. This book has a point. So does The Happiness Trap, a self help book based on ACT. You can reach this flow state when it comes to the quality of your own life.

Parallels Rudolph Steiner's Precept and Concept on Intuitive Thinking.

Thanks for sharing what this book is not about or very little (motorcycle maintenance) and saving me some time and money. This video was excellent.

cant even go through this summary of book...I can only imagine how I will complete the book, meaningfully...!

Very well done simply put!

Great video my fellow South African. Despite your opinion, you inspired me to read the book. 😊

Actually, Chautauqua...

The author seems to have been describing qualia, in a way

I completely agree with your analysis of this book, however I disagree with your conclusion that you should not read this book. That there are much better books to read. Everyone: go out and this read this book. I first read this book in 1980, again 10 years ago, and now reading it for the third time. You will learn much about the outside world and the inner world (yourself).

You completely miss the point of the book and the philosophy of the journey

This book is not worth reading? 🤯wowww everything you say after this has to be questioned now

Thank you, this review has been extremely helpful! It's hard to find a review or summary that doesn't just say "go read it", as if this were some religious scripture. But that doesn't help the curious mind understand why one should read it. So having this honest summary of how the book is structured and what the main topics are, is really helpful.

Tank you for making this Video. I’ve just finished reading the book but just can’t tell clearly what the book was all about. You structured it very well.

Can you name some of those better books, with better stories and philosophical ideas?

You misspelled Chautauqua.

I will pise that philosophize now is not famiar with older motorcycles. I see this as a realism analogy. Older motorcycles were a pain in the ass to take around varian terrains. If you had the "gumption", enthusiasm to ride one it required a lot of maintenance. I think the book is very relevant today where you have a post modern view that feelings are all that matter. You can feel however you want but to get that "quality" in life you want work is required. Quality may exist in a vacuum but in the real world it can diminsh if not cared for.

"preceive"???

ON ZEN, ALLEN WATTS HAS LECTURES ON RU-vid

Thanks and regards from Ladakh, Himalayas!🙏🙏🙏

I'm intrigued. Actually, I'm hungry to read this. I've not read a book book in 20 years. Just articles. I hope my concentration levels are.. hey look a squirrel!

This book made a profound impact on me and is a "classic" FOR A REASON! It is ironic that this reviewer correctly identifies that one of the books main themes is the puzzle of how to define "quality" objectively, but then goes on to, rather arbitrarily, try and measure the "QUALITY" of the book as either A) A motorcycle maintenance manual, or B) A book of instruction on Zen. It is almost comical how much the reviewer has missed the point! The backbone of the story is the real-life attempt of the author to re-connect with his son and some close friends after suffering a nervous breakdown. The book also explores themes of alienation in society and in almost psychedelic slow motion illuminates his own struggle to find a pathway to connect with his son and with society. This is what made an impact on me and along the way i found his thoughts on "HOW TO NOT LOSE GUMPTION" very helpful and inspirational. In a world where status and results are raised to the level of near Survival intensity goals is "Quality" being sacrificed for quantity? I found this book very heart breaking and deeply moving. I have read it about 5 times after having faced challenges in my own life. Each time i read it, it touched me in a new way. If i met Pirsig, broken down on the highway I would definitely hug him (if he would let me get that close to him!). I would certainly try and help him fix his motorcycle. I would certainly let him know that even if his book on motorcycle maintenance had failed to provide clear practical guidance on how to repair either his or my vehicles, he had still managed to give me more than just a road map of how to get to my destination! Along the way he had reminded me of the important questions. What is the purpose of my journey, and how will I know if I have got there?

Before reading this book You are amazing in producing themes of book. I am a regular viewer of your videos. And your choice of topic of your book somewhere match with me. Really love whole! Thankyou.

This book is a must read for anyone. It's true classic.

I read Zen for Dummies but I couldn’t understand it. 🤷‍♀️

Thank you for the summary. I love motorcycles and riding them, but I'm not interested in a philosophy textbook wrapped in a motorcycle theme.............................like a hamburger-wrapped pills for medicating dogs.

I'm half way though the book and it's still not helping me with my engine rebuild! 1/10, does not go well with rice.

I've read this book a dozen or more times, the first couple of times I had to put it down and walk away, Its not for every one, each time I read it I get some thing a little different from it. I know there has been talk in the past of making it into a movie, but I think that would loose far to much in translation for the screen. I would love to ride the Pirsig route across the States, may be one day, driving it in a car is not the same experience, most Motor Cyclists will get that.

Consider connectors And feedback loops… “Into The Woods”…. Or into The “wild”… the window and the writers of Johnny Depp. Go easy.

I can't believe this youtuber put so much effort into a negative review. If I read a book I don't like, I toss it aside. That's why all my vids are positive.

Well, I think you're wrong, and that this book is not just interesting, clever, and asks good questions, but is a great story as well; but we're all entitled to our opinion.

Congratulations. You have taken one of the most brillant novels and pholosophical discourses ever written, and redused it to plup fiction word salad. An on the edge of your seat, mind challenging, critic on modern education, with the dynamics òf loss and redemption, nail biting pager turner and presented it in a confusing, misunderstood, boringest critìque in the history of literary criticism and made it appear to be dead on arrival boring. With an initial publication of 3,000 copies it had sold over 25,000,000 by the turn of the century and has continued to sell millions every year. So, you say don't bother to read it and 50,000 000 readers say read it. Quality in Cleary on Pirsig's side. Next time read the book and not simply the Cliff Notes. here's tò freedom of opinon. 😊

I'm glad that, like me, so many people appreciate this book.

This analysis was far too simplistic and superficial. The book is far more than this. He completely misses the importance of the journey too. This article is the C and D grade bereft of quality analysis that Pirsig describes so well.

I only read part of this book in the 90s, and now I am glad I did not read more. On the road by Jack Kerouac is my favorite book.

Do I really want to hear the summary / analysis of a book from someone who doesn’t recommend that anyone read it?

Very narrow interpretation.

Why do you bother with a summary if you begin by recommending it not be read?

I think you dealt with the philosophical outlook of the book quite well but you didn't read the heart of the story. Americans are distinctly American and a lot of culture plays into that for better or worse. We tend to blend the romantic experience and the classic experience into one thing. Which may be not be purely philosophical on your terms but it is what it is and that's where you bias comes in. You can't break things down into a purely philosophical debate without taking the culture into account. Also, while I am a Taoist my neighbors aren't. The fact that you didn't reference or mention Simone de Beauvoir in the last section worries me too. In general great job and I'll watch more of your videos but you really need to take culture into account and address it in the future. Otherwise it just falls flat on open ears.

Not worth reading because there are books with better stories?! Oh Dear. What philosophy is better than a fully coherent description of the substrate of reality? I like the tree part.

I just finished my second reading (20 years apart) and I think it would be hard to produce a better review than this one in less than 10 minutes. Thanks!

I was really waiting for his book recommendations on motorcycle maintenance But only got two zen options hahahha

Hard to believe you actually read the book after watching this video..

That you say NO! That you don't recommend it bothers me for several reasons,. One reason that you shouldn't say no ,is it's a very unique book to us who are motorcycle enthusiasts ,eventhough book does not go in depth about motorcycle maintenance. That author used a motorcycle trip to convey certain insights bout Zen Easy Rider movie is more of a time when hippie culture was almost ending but most motorcycle enthusiasts love the movie. Also I don't think your opinion or view carries much weight when you don't Know how much loved that motorcycle store line is to motorcycle enthusiasts

From the very start this review seemed strange and off point completely. It is explaining the concept of naming a works of literature, for example "War and Peace" not really for someone who is looking for a textbook on military strategies, foreign affairs and diplomacy.. Seriously? And then I saw other videos and understood that this whole channel dedicated and quite narrowly focused solely on eastern philosophy and has nothing to do with the literature or creative writing. The author of the video simply does not recommend this book as a Zen guide. The comparison with Coelho, only because his books also have philosophy in them, shows how shallow the view on the literature the author takes. Another point for considering this book "not worth reading" was "because there are other books with better stories in them" - which is definitely true - "Harry Potter" or, come to think of it, any comic book, for example, does. I really hope none of the viewers who came here for the book review decide not to read it solely based on this video. As with the majority of the greatest works of literature the story or the plot is usually far in the background, giving the front place to something the reviewer seem not caring to grasp.

This is a very superficial summary and ironically misses the very point of this novel. It is also the story of a real, very profound and sad life. The inevitable failure to be a good father and employee despite your efforts. Life doesn't always allow you the 'quality' you need to achieve what you most want to focus on nor allow you to come across the way you yearn to.

Sorry but I don’t think this guy read or at least didn’t understand the book

If you mentally substitute the word ‘boobies’ every time the word ‘quality’ is used, it’s not a bad book! It’s boobies.

Not worth reading? You must be high!

Why are Robert and Chris black people?

This is not at all what I was expecting or guessed what the book is about. It sounds very underwhelming after watching this summary.

Paulo Coelho's Alchemist is a piece of crap!

If you want people to watch your videos, you may leave out the part where you don't recommend the book at the very beginning

Your lips are smacking against your mic

I hate this book and its ideas. It has great questions though

Stopped th video and 👎 as soon as he pronounced "chataqua".

I hate this book