Robert Pirsig

Robert Pirsig is one of the most beloved authors of the twentieth century. His book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, has become a literary classic in its own right, and he is also the author of Lila: An Inquiry Into Morals and the novel Zen and Now.

Robert Pirsig was born on September 6, 1928 in Madison, Wisconsin. He grew up in a middle-class family and was the eldest of four children. Pirsig received a solid education, earning a B.A. in philosophy and journalism from the University of Minnesota in 1950.

At the University of Minnesota, Pirsig developed an interest in Eastern religions, particularly Buddhism. He enrolled at the University of Chicago in 1952 to pursue a graduate degree in philosophy. However, before he could finish his degree, he joined the United States Navy in 1954. After completing his service, Pirsig returned to graduate school at the University of Chicago in 1958. There, he began writing his first novel, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is a philosophical novel which follows a man and his son on a cross-country motorcycle trip. As they travel, the protagonist, Phaedrus, ponders the relationship between technology, morality and understanding. Along the way, he explores various aspects of philosophy, such as gnosticism, and shares his meditations on the nature of reality. Unusually for a philosophical novel, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance also contains autobiographical elements, based on Pirsig’s own personal experiences.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is widely considered a timeless classic. It has sold millions of copies since its initial publication in 1974, and is considered a classic of modern literature. It is also an incredibly influential book, having inspired many thinkers and writers, from Alan Watts to David Lynch.

In 1984, Pirsig published his second novel, Lila: An Inquiry into Morals. The book is set in the fictional Starthrower Farm, and follows the character Lila, a woman on a search for transcendence. Through discussion, self-reflection and activities, Lila investigates the relationship between humans and the natural world. Much like Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, the book contains autobiographical elements, this time based on Pirsig’s experience living in a rural environment.

Pirsig’s third and final novel, Zen and Now, was published in 2008. It follows two characters, Zennon and Sonny, as they explore the landscapes of California and Oregon. Along the way, they explore how modern technology affects our lives, and how our understanding of the world is changing.

Robert Pirsig passed away on April 24, 2017 at the age of 88. He leaves behind a legacy of thought-provoking and inspirational work. Pirsig’s books have inspired generations of readers, and his influence can be felt all over the literary landscape. For readers looking for an intellectually stimulating adventure, any of Pirsig’s works are sure to provide a unique and unforgettable experience.