The way to see what looks good and understand the reasons it looks good, and to be at one with this goodness as the work proceeds, is to cultivate an inner quietness, a peace of mind so that goodness can shine through.
Robert M. PirsigRead
The bones and flesh and legal statistics are the garments worn by the personality, not the other way around.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that our true selves are not defined by our physical or legal identities, but rather by our personality and essence.
In this quote, Robert M. Pirsig suggests that our physical form and societal labels are merely superficial coverings that do not represent our true identity. The 'bones and flesh' symbolize the physical aspect of a person, while 'legal statistics' represent societal classifications, such as age or status. Pirsig argues that these elements should not define us; instead, it is our individual personality and inner qualities that truly characterize who we are. This perspective invites a deeper exploration of identity and existence beyond the material realm.
Themes
IdentityPersonalityPhilosophySelfExistence
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophy class discussing the nature of self.
More from Robert M. Pirsig
All quotes βWhen analytic thought, the knife, is applied to experience, something is always killed in the process.
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The Buddha resides as comfortably in the circuits of a digital computer or the gears of a cycle transmission as he does at the top of a mountain.
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It's better not to see than to see wrongly.
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The truth knocks on the door and you say, go away, I'm looking for the truth, and it goes away. Puzzling.
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You want to know how to paint a perfect painting? It's easy. Make yourself perfect and then just paint naturally.
Robert M. PirsigRead
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Not just self-restraint, that old killjoy, but communal restraint.
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