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
To live only for some future goal is shallow. It's the sides of the mountain that sustain life, not the top.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that focusing solely on future aspirations is insufficient; real fulfillment comes from the experiences along the journey.
Robert M. Pirsig emphasizes the importance of valuing the experiences and lessons learned during life's journey rather than fixating only on end goals. The metaphor of a mountain illustrates that the journey itself, represented by the 'sides of the mountain', is where true sustenance and vitality are found, fostering appreciation for the present and the process of growth.
Themes
LifeJourneyExperienceGoalsFulfillment
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech during a corporate retreat.
More from Robert M. Pirsig
All quotes βWhen analytic thought, the knife, is applied to experience, something is always killed in the process.
Robert M. PirsigRead
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.
Robert M. PirsigRead
It's better not to see than to see wrongly.
Robert M. PirsigRead
The truth knocks on the door and you say, go away, I'm looking for the truth, and it goes away. Puzzling.
Robert M. PirsigRead
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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This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people.
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