The book relates on two trips, or ‘odysseys’: one odyssey is done with the motor cycle, touring the outer world; the other odyssey takes place in the inner world, his thinking, and concerns a gamma of philosophical reflections, an 'internal dialogue', on various themes, like the foundations of Western culture. The book illustrates that the metaphor of an odyssey, a trip, or pilgrimage, is ancient, and has been used by many in different times, places and contexts.
Basically, Robert Pirsig explores the meaning and concept of quality. The limited space here does not allow a full explanation of Pirsig's 'metaphysics of quality', so just a few elements…. Most important, at the end he fails to find a proper definition of 'quality'. He suggests that, if you want to experience real quality, it is important to adopt a proper attitude, pay attention, seek a good fit with the requirements of the situation. And, to learn and understand about quality in any activity (like in art), one simply has to do it……
Pirsig suggests a perception of the world that combines rational and romantic elements, so combining ‘irrational’ wisdom with 'modern' reason and technology. It is important to maintain space for creativity and intuition.
I suppose that Pirsig might have liked the modern 'slow' approach for quality: slow food, slow cooking, slow journalism, and I would add, slow painting…...