Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Robert M. Pirsig

Quote by Robert M. Pirsig

“Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then, when you’re no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn’t just a means to an end but a unique event in itself. This leaf has jagged edges. This rock looks loose. From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer. These are things you should notice anyway. To live only for some future goal is shallow. It’s the sides of the mountain which sustain life, not the top. Here’s where things grow. But of course, without the top you can’t have any sides. It’s the top that defines the sides. So on we go—we have a long way—no hurry—just one step after the next—with a little Chautauqua for entertainment -- .Mental reflection is so much more interesting than TV it’s a shame more people don’t switch over to it. They probably think what they hear is unimportant but it never is.”

Quote by Robert M. Pirsig

Work

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values

This book combines a travel narrative with a philosophical inquiry, examining the concepts of quality, truth, and the nature of reality. The author reflects on these ideas while on a motorcycle journey with his son, engaging in discussions that delve into the essence of human values and the pursuit of meaning in life. more

Author

Robert M. Pirsig
Robert M. Pirsig

Robert M. Pirsig was an American writer best known for his philosophical novel 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.' This work combines philosophical thinking with travel adventure, exploring the concepts of quality, value, and the meaning of life. more

You May Also Like

“Sorrow and strife comes to all persons. Mature people expect hardships and setbacks and patiently and determinedly work to accomplish their goals. Immature people lash out in anger and frustration when circumstances conspire to blunt their short-term objectives.”

“Admire your offenders for they are never your offenders. They are only teachers in the class of forgiveness, tolerance and patience. How can you learn how to forgive when you have not been offended? How can you learn how to forgive seventy seven times seven when people have not offended you seventy seven times? Smile if you get offended, there is a lessons to learn!”

“صعبة هي تلك اللحظات حين نستبدل أبطال القصص بأنفسنا، ولا ندري إن كانت أرواحنا ستطيق مجريات الأحداث، أم أنّها ستعجز، فتحتبس عجزها، فيتمرّد، فتنفجر. ولا ندري إن كانت مدامع أعيننا ستجفّ فتتصحّر ملامحنا، وتتيبّس مقلنا..أم ستطوف نِيلاً، فتنتفخ المحاجر، وتحمرّ الأنوف. وبين هذا وذاك، يبقى مفتاح الدّراية التجربة. فمتى جرّبت علمت.. وغالباً ندمت.”