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
Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the value of practical skills over abstract ideas.
Robert M. Pirsig emphasizes the importance of tangible contributions to society, suggesting that while philosophical discussions about humanity's future may be significant, hands-on skills, such as fixing a motorcycle, provide lasting and immediate value. This perspective champions the practicality of everyday tasks over lofty ideals, signaling that the essence of human experience often lies in the simple acts of creation and repair.
Themes
PracticalitySkillsValueHuman ExperienceMotorcyclePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about technology and its impact, this quote can remind listeners to appreciate practical skills.
More from Robert M. Pirsig
All quotes →When 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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