The only Zen you can find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there.
ROBERT M. PIRSIG
American writer and philosopher
1928—2017
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values
Why The Fascination with Quotes?
This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions I’ve fielded over the past three decades. It makes sense given that the 1995 edition of Food for Thought was primarily a book of culinary-inspired quotes.
The answer—Why not?
My Father’s Influence on My Love of Reading, Learning, Reference, and Quotes
Fascination with these bites of wisdom, humor, insight, or simply summary goes back to my childhood and my father.
European born and educated, he spoke several languages including Latin. So, he had more than a passing familiarity with the contents (let alone the quotes, proverbs, maxims, and axioms) of the Great Books of the Western World and its contributors. Punctuating some salient lesson in life by quoting one of the giants of literature, philosophy, science, math, and the humanities (both in English and, more often than not, in their original language) was a regular feature of my life growing up.
As a result, I began reading those very same books in grade school. I found myself peppering my essays, term papers, and professional contributions to academia from middle school through high school, college, law school, graduate school, and beyond with quotes.
There’s No Need to Reinvent the Wheel—Just Stick with the Original
Rather than reinvent the wheel, using the genius of others (while citing them correctly) to make a point felt like the better way to go.
Call me crazy, but I was going on the assumption that the words of George Washington on American democracy, Albert Einstein on physics, and William Shakespeare on the human condition might carry a tad more weight than … well … mine.
The various individuals, institutions, and public, as a whole, have tended to agree.
Compact Wisdom, Inspiration, and Joy!
Quotes often distill the totality of some amazing piece of writing into a sentence or two. They bring me joy, inspiration, and a reprieve from an often too-busy life. Call them the very best of the short-attention-span theatre.
Sometimes these become a piece of guidance that resonates long after having read them in their original context. Whether we take them as literal or metaphorical, their message sticks. More than a platitude, they become a personal expression or reflection of what we value most.
If I Had a Tattoo, It Would Be …
One of my, “If I had a tattoo, it would be …” quotes is the one which begins this post.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was originally published in 1974. I first read it two years later. It was accompanied by a significant hospital stay at what was a low point in my very young life. The message stuck. And it has carried me through many challenges as that quiet, clear echo whispering inspiration to me.
I was an ardent admirer and collector of quotations long before Robert Pirsig crossed my reading list. But his take on mindfulness and life became my touchstone for facing adversity.
The Lesson?—Learning to find joy and peace in this moment, in this place, whatever the circumstances.
What’s Your North Star?
So, as you read my book(s), these articles, or some social media post, you’ll come across a quote or two. I hope that you find among all the words of wisdom or wit those which truly resonate with you. Perhaps they might give your perspective on life a new direction. And, with any luck, one might even become your North Star; your tattoo.
How About YOU!
Have a book or quote that inspired you or one that marked a special memory or turning point in your life?
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