Author Of Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance
Robert M. Pirsig was an American author and philosopher best known for his book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. The book, first published in 1974, has become a cult classic and is considered a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, spirituality, or the open road.
Early Life and Education
Robert M. Pirsig was born on September 6, 1928, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He grew up in a working-class family and attended the University of Minnesota, where he studied philosophy and earned a degree in journalism. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Korea before returning to the United States to begin his writing career.
The Journey that Inspired Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
In the late 1960s, Pirsig set out on a motorcycle journey across the United States with his son Chris. The trip, which covered more than 17,000 miles, was an attempt to reconnect with his son and find meaning in his life. Along the way, Pirsig began to develop his philosophy of "quality" and the idea that everything in life can be seen as a form of "art." This journey became the basis for his book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
The Writing and Publication of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Pirsig worked on Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance for more than five years, and it was rejected by 121 publishers before finally being published by William Morrow and Company in 1974. The book was an instant hit, selling millions of copies worldwide and becoming a seminal work in the field of philosophy and spirituality.
The Legacy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance has had a lasting impact on readers around the world, inspiring countless people to think about the nature of quality, the meaning of life, and the importance of the journey. The book has been translated into more than 20 languages and has been adapted for film, stage, and even opera.
Robert M. Pirsig passed away on April 24, 2017, at the age of 88. His legacy lives on through his writing, which continues to inspire and challenge readers to this day.
