On Quality

An Inquiry into Excellence: Unpublished and Selected Writings

De: Robert M. Pirsig, Wendy K. Pirsig

Narrado por: Mark Bramhall, Abby Craden

Featuring long-awaited selections from Robert M. Pirsig's unpublished writings, from before and after Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, an original collection illuminating the central theme of Pirsig's thought: “Quality”

“The ultimate goal in the pursuit of excellence is enlightenment."" —Robert M. Pirsig, 1962

More than a decade before the release of the book that would make him famous, Robert M. Pirsig had already caught hold of the central theme that would animate Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: “Quality,” a concept loosely likened to “excellence,” “rightness,” or “fitness” that Pirsig saw as kindred to the Buddhist ideas of “dharma” or the “Tao.” As he later wrote in Zen, “Quality is the Buddha.”

Though he was revered by fans who considered him a guru, the famously private Pirsig published only two books and consented to few interviews and almost no public appearances in later decades. Yet he wrote and thought almost continually, refining his “Metaphysics of Quality” until his death in 2017.

Now, for the first time, readers will be granted access to five decades of Pirsig’s personal writings in this posthumous collection that illuminates the evolution of his thinking to an unprecedented degree. Skillfully edited and introduced by Wendy K. Pirsig, Robert’s wife of four decades, the collection includes previously unpublished texts, speeches, letters, interviews, and private notes, as well as key excerpts from Zen and the Art of the Motorcycle Maintenance and his second book, Lila.

Since its publication in 1974, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance has established itself as a modern classic of popular philosophy; selling millions of copies and inspiring a generation, while serving as a perennial touchstone for the generations that follow. On Quality is a remarkable contribution to our understanding of one of the most influential thinkers and writers of our time.

A Bridge to Knowing Quality

This compilation of excerpts from Pirsig’s writings and presentations facilitates the transition from trying to understand Quality, to Knowing. I would recommend reading or listening to this before reading “Zen” and “Lila” again.

Succinct dove into Pirsig

I appreciated the variety, and cumulative enrichment enabled by these multiple snapshots and digestible dives into Pirsig’s thought and feeling.

Great work

Having enjoyed Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, and Lila, this compilation of notes was a real treat for me. Anyone who enjoyed Pirsig’s previous work will appreciate this book. It does help to flesh-out Quality philosophically and spiritually.

Read ZMM and Lila, then this

Another reviewer said the same thing. Don’t read this before first reading the two short masterpieces that Pirsig had completed. I am very much enjoying this exploration of Bob’s thinking. His widow and wife of 40 years did an impeccable job producing a beautiful discussion that clearly demonstrates her love and admiration for him. I feel sad when I think of his death because there is clearly so much more he never published. In the 25 years since some forgotten person told me, “you should read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, you’d dig it,” I’ve learned a great deal about eastern and western philosophy that’s connected back to what I first encountered in ZMM. Some say Pirsig offered nothing novel in his writing but for me he articulated the concept of Quality in a way that really pulls the central thread of consciousness. I have been filling in the empty spaces ever since. This book is a beautiful insight into Bob’s journey. It’s worth a listen.

The narrators voice is impeccable. I am very sensitive to reader style and articulation. She could not be more enjoyable to listen to.

Really enjoyed

After reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, I really enjoyed the author's letters. Really interesting how yoga, Vedic history and Buddhist theory are all mixed in.