A) When major new information is added to this ZMMquality WebSite & Gallery, I will announce it on this news page, as soon as possible.

Chrstopher Bartneck’s Professional Paper Discusses “Robert Pirsig’s Metaphysics of Quality and its relationship to the Science of Design.”

Here is an excerpt: The effect of personal caring on the arts is familiar to us and Pirsig commented: "You want to know how to paint a perfect painting? It is easy. Make yourself perfect and then just paint naturally"The same holds true for designers, but in addition to an artistic skill they also need rationality to create good artifacts. The effect of caring and sensitivity to Quality in rational activities is less widely accepted even though Quality is the generator of all intellectual activity – both artistic and scientific. Pirsig wrote: "The classic pattern of rationality can be tremendously improved, expanded and made far more effective through the formal recognition of Quality in its operation." The formal recognition of Quality will then have a direct influence on science [and the Science of Design]: "I think that it will be found that a formal acknowledgement of the role of Quality in the scientific process does not destroy the empirical vision at all. It expands it, strengthens it and brings it far closer to actual scientific practice. … By returning our attention to Quality it is hoped that we can get technological work out of the non-caring subject-object dualism and back into craftsmanlike self-involved reality again, which will reveal to us the facts we need when we are stuck". It will improve our selection of interesting hypotheses and facts. The knowledge creation of designers and scientists is very similar and therefore Quality will also improve the more rational aspects of design. Both designers and scientist must improve themselves and the Quality of their work will improve naturally.
Pirsig concludes his Metaphysics of Quality by showing how it can be turned into everyday practice. Most of all we need to care and improve ourselves: "The real cycle you're working on is a cycle called yourself. The machine that appears to be “out there” and the person that appears to be “in here” are not two separate things. They grow toward Quality or fall away from Quality together."
http://www.bartneck.de/publications/2009/designScienceMetaphysicsQuality/

 ----

January 2009

Bill Bergerson, of Miles City MT, Has Passed Away.

In ZMM, Bill is a real person, and so is Bill’s Cycle Shop! They are an important part of the ZMM narrative in Miles City MT. Bill had been in poor health with Parkinson's disease for a long time. Here is his obituary:
http://www.stevensonandsons.com/Miles%20City/2009,%20Obits/Obit,%20Bergerson,%20Wilbur.htm

March & July 2009

My Album Of 360 Degree Panorama Photos for Book "Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" Now Finally Completed.

These Seven-Foot-Wide Panorama Photos Composits (52 of them!) Are an Abbreviated “Sights & Scenes for the ZMM Book.

Of special interest is the "Special Crown Shaped Cloud” observed at La Pine Oregon. We still need to add the light house to the “Mother and Child at the Pacific Ocean Beach” Panorama. These will be up-loaded ASAP. The captions for the last half of this album also have been now added. The first half of these panoramas (up thru the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center) were “stitched” together by John Westbrook Jr. of Aiken SC, More recently this expert task, also using Adobe Photoshop, has been under the steady hand of Stacey Mosier, a University of South Carolina Aiken Art Major. My thanks to both John and Stacey for a tough job, well done!!

Starting on Monday 19 July 2004. On his vintage 1985 Suzuki DR600 “single banger” motorcycle, Mr. Richardson traveled the route described in the book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". His photos, and interesting commentary, may be seen at last link below. For his trip, he traveled on his trusty Jakie Blue motorcycle, starting in Toronto and ending at the Zen Center in San Francisco, two weeks later.

A) Description of book "Zen and Now: On the Trail of Robert Pirsig and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance".
B) Interview with Mark Richardson: Learn More About his "ZMM Trip: and how he wrote his book, mentioned above.
C) An abbreviated version of Mark Richardson's Photos of his ZMM Trip, up-loaded day by day, as he traveled. Mark’s Travel Journal!
D) This is Mark Richardson's own WebSite, having vast resources related to his book “Zen and Now”. Has links to interviews (and reviews) concerning his book “Zen and Now”, and where to purchase, Also has his day by day, blog fully describing (with photos) his recently completed book promotion tour. On a cycle of course!! A complete full version of Mark’s photos of his trip, as well as photos Pirsig Family early days, and a free chapter, are offered here.

June 2007

New Earth Care WebPages Now Being Developed: Gurr's Green Guide To Energy Saving & Global Warming.

After seeing Al Gore's movie An Inconvenient Truth, I Decided Global Warming was here for real! The developing Global Warming Crisis is most certainly going to be the Grand Father Of All Problems: Global Warming, bad enough on its own, mill bake every other human problem vastly worse!

I needed to personally DO SOMETHING. But what? ..... While doing research into a new refrigerator (to replace our 36 year frig) I realized my calling. Other people could use my search experience: Soon available, What Information Resources To Go To And What To Avoid http://ww2.usca.edu/ResearchProjects/ProfessorGurr/SaveEnergyGuide

You may gain inspiration and ideas from our Passive Solar Home just North of the University of South Carolina Aiken Campus. GurrSolarHome| Click here to see more about Solar Home of Suzanne & Henry Gurr.r

"Perhaps though the most important thing, the ultimate demonstration of Pirsig's pragmatism is that his philosophy grounds out in everyday action...in everyday life. Like the founders of pragmatism Pirsig shows above all that there is a demonstrable reason why that which we feel is good, is good! Experience is not subjective, it is of the good, therefore the moral good issues directly from reality.

Pragmatism breaks the picture in which knowledge is somehow ‘higher’ than experience and action. It does this by showing that knowledge is actually a form of action which is guided by experience. Pirsig's contribution has been to show that that experience is of an absolutely real good. Furthermore, the moral theory that this gives rise to, is an extremely interesting one. It is perhaps the most dramatic advance that he makes upon pragmatism, which is itself, for most critics above all. a moral philosophy. For this reason alone, Pirsig's philosophy deserves to be re-evaluated in order to generate further analysis of its concepts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Polanyi

The above mentioned article, with an extensive bibliography, is the B A dissertation of Dean Summers of University of Central Lancashire, England, and may be viewed in its entirety at http://www.robertpirsig.org/Pragmatism.htm .

Dean Summers work compliments and supports The much larger PhD thesis of Dr. Anthony McWatt. Scroll down click on yellow book in left menu.

Please Ask If You Desire More Information.

In addition to the above, I have much ZMM and Pirsig information. I anticipate making this information available to serious ZMM researchers or biographers. .
END News

July 2009

Neutrino Celebration, Aiken, South Carolina, August 27, 2010.

In in 1956, near my town of Aiken SC, Fred Reines and Clyde Cowan discovered the neutrino, a fundamental elementary physics particle. To celebrate this momentous discovery, a public celebration, in Aiken, is now being planned for August 27, 2010. This event will acknowledge and increase the public awareness of, this historical scientific experiment that took place at the Savannah River Plant (SRP), P-Area Reactor, located about 20 miles south of Aiken. Your Webmaster, Henry Gurr, worked with the continuation of the SRP Neutrino Experiments, conducted by Fred Reines, from 1966 thru ~1979.
http://www.neutrinocelebration.org/

A) When major new information is added to this ZMMquality WebSite & Gallery, I will announce it on this news page, as soon as possible. More information is in my ZMM Links Page. (See menu at left).

March 2009

My Album Of 360 Degree Panorama Photos for Book "Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" Nearing Completion.

‘’’These 52 Seven-Foot-Wide Panorama Photos Are an Abbreviated “Sights & Scenes for the ZMM Book”. We are in final stages of completion of this album: We are finishing up on several pans, including the "Special Crown Shaped Cloud” observed at La Pine Oregon, and need to add the light house to the “Mother and Child at the Beach” Panorama. These will be up-loaded pronto. The captions for the last half of this album, will be added next and very soon. The first half of these panoramas (up thru the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center) were “stitched” together by John Westbrook Jr. of Aiken SC, More recently this expert task, also using Adobe Photoshop, has been under the steady hand of Stacey Mosier, a University of South Carolina Aiken Art Major. My thanks to both John and Stacey for a tough job, well done!!
http://ww2.usca.edu/ResearchProjects/ProfessorGurr/gallery/ZmmRoutePanoramas?page=3
http://ww2.usca.edu/ResearchProjects/ProfessorGurr/gallery/ZmmRoutePanoramas?page=4

My "San Andreas Fault" panoramas are up-loaded to a different album here. http://ww2.usca.edu/ResearchProjects/ProfessorGurr/gallery/HsgexperienceZmmRoute?page=18

Jill Collins, ZMM Enthusiast from Columbia SC, Makes Truly Wonderful Wall Calendar Full of Photos and Quotations From Book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance."

Yesterday I had a great ZMM Discussion and Time of Sharing with Jill Collins and her friend Paul Holton. While we were enjoying the great food at Pats Restaurant (Downtown Aiken), Jill handed me, as a gift, her wonderful wall calendar creation. For each of the twelve months, there was a 1968 Robert Pirsig photo, as well as about four other photos of the ZMM Route. It is: in full color, two page spiral bound, opens to 17" high X 11" write, professionally printed, all phots with full caption. It is a work of art!! The calendar cover has the color photo of the "Church of the Minorites, Jill's favorite Lional Feiniger painting. Well done all over! Thank you, thank you Jill !!
(PS: I suspect you could get a copy also. Promise of reimbursement of costs + shipping, and a real nice note pleading for one, would start the process. Send email to me if you are interested.)

I just wanted to let you know, so perhaps you might mention this on your fascinating website: Tthat the motorcycle jacket I used to wear when Bob and I went cycling is now for sale on eBay. You can see it here:

January 2008 See November 2008 Up-Date Above.

Nancy Pirsig Motorcycle Jacket For Sale. Description (revised) from Ted Pirsig

This leather jacket belongs to the ex-wife of author Robert Pirsig, whose married name was Nancy Pirsig. She is selling it because she doesn’t need it, since she now lives in a warm climate and no longer rides a motorcycle.

The label says “Perfecto Genuine Steerhide, Handcut, Schott Bros., Size 38.”
It has a fleecy warm lining and collar. It fits her fine and she normally wears a size 10 or 12, or medium. It is in good condition.

It was purchased around the late sixties or early seventies, and worn on many motorcycle trips – day or weekend trips in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

In the photo, taken in the Pirsigs’ St. Paul driveway in the early seventies, you can see Bob Pirsig in the background.

Proceeds from this sale will go into a college fund for Nancy and Bob’s grandson, who is currently a high school senior.
Link no longer valid. Ask me for copy of photo.

August 2008. Rev March 2009.

Mr. Mark Richardson's New Book “Zen and Now’.

Mr. Richardson tells the story of his experiences in following the route of book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance": Some are wild and some prove dangerous!! A fascinating read and I am sure you will not want to miss it!
Starting on Monday 19 July 2004. On his vintage 1985 Suzuki DR600 “single banger” motorcycle, Mr. Richardson traveled the route described in the book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". His photos, and interesting commentary, may be seen at last link below. For his trip, he traveled on his trusty Jakie Blue motorcycle, starting in Toronto and ending at the Zen Center in San Francisco, two weeks later.

A) An abbreviated version of Mark Richardson's Photos of his ZMM Trip, up-loaded day by day, as he traveled. Mark’s Travel Journal!
B ) This is Mark Richardson's own WebSite, having vast resources related to his book “Zen and Now”. Has links to interviews (and reviews) concerning his book “Zen and Now”, and where to purchase, Also has his day by day, blog fully describing (with photos) his recently completed book promotion tour. On a cycle of course!! A complete full version of Mark’s photos of his trip, as well as photos Pirsig Family early days, and a free chapter, are also offered.
C) Description of book "Zen and Now: On the Trail of Robert Pirsig and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance".
D) Interview with Mark Richardson: Learn More About his "ZMM Trip: and how he wrote his book.

June 2007. Rev March 2009.

Gurr's Green Guide To Energy Saving & Help Reduce Global Warming.

‘’’Earth Care Decisions and Choices for Your Family and Home’’’
After seeing Al Gore's movie An Inconvenient Truth, I Decided Global Warming was here for real! And this developing crisis is most certainly going to be the Grand Father Of All Problems: Global Warming, bad enough on its own, will make every other human problem vastly worse!

I needed to personally DO SOMETHING. But what? ..... While doing research into a new refrigerator (to replace our 36 year frig) I realized my calling. Offer my shopping experience as a guide:
A) Energy Efficient Refrigerator Purchasing Information & Guide, AND
B) My Experience Purchasing a Highest Energy Efficient Window Air Conditioner.
http://ww2.usca.edu/ResearchProjects/ProfessorGurr/SaveEnergyGuide

You may gain inspiration and ideas from our Passive Solar Home just North of the University of South Carolina Aiken Campus. Click here to see more about Solar Home of Suzanne & Henry Gurr.

Compliments to the efforts of Dr. Anthony McWatt, I have just been introduced to a very good article which shows clearly and succinctly how Robert Pirsig's Philosophy is a direct descendant of the American Pragmatism of Dewy and most especially of William James. Mr. Summers tightly organized writing makes a convincing case that Pirsig's two books, Lila and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance agree with, support, and considerably extend the philosophic traditions of pragmatism, especially American pragmatism. Summers shows how Pirsig has made pragmatism both clearer and more powerful. He also carefully points out how and where Pirsig fills-in some of the major weaknesses of Dewey and James.
‘’’Summers concludes:’’’
"Perhaps though the most important thing, the ultimate demonstration of Pirsig's pragmatism is that his philosophy grounds out in everyday action...in everyday life. Like the founders of pragmatism Pirsig shows above all that there is a demonstrable reason why that which we feel is good, is good! Experience is not subjective, it is of the good, therefore the moral good issues directly from reality.”

“Pragmatism breaks the picture in which knowledge is somehow ‘higher’ than experience and action. It does this by showing that knowledge is actually a form of action which is guided by experience. Pirsig's contribution has been to show that that experience is of an absolutely real good. Furthermore, the moral theory that this gives rise to, is an extremely interesting one. It is perhaps the most dramatic advance that he makes upon pragmatism, which is itself, for most critics above all. a moral philosophy. For this reason alone, Pirsig's philosophy deserves to be re-evaluated in order to generate further analysis of its concepts.” [Scientist/Philosopher Michael Polanyi, is seen to strongly support the above ideas. I hope soon to prepare an article showing this very soon. Henry Gurr]

This article, with an extensive bibliography, is the B A dissertation of Dean Summers of University of Central Lancashire, England, and may be viewed at http://www.robertpirsig.org/Pragmatism.htm .

Dean Summers work compliments and supports the larger

Both of these authors are worthy of your attention, and will help you expand your understanding, and appreciation, of Robert Pirsig’s very important works.

Please Ask If You Desire More Information. Also, if you have an idea or more information to offer for this site, please let me know. ‘’’Do not hesitate to communicate.’’’ http://www.usca.edu/math/~mathdept/hsg/

In addition to the information placed on this site, I have much additional ZMM and Pirsig information. I will gladly make this information available to serious ZMM researchers or biographers. Just send me and email! http://www.usca.edu/math/~mathdept/hsg/
END News

Jill Collins, ZMM Enthusiast from Columbia SC, Makes Truly Wonderful Wall Calendar Full of Photos and Quotations From Book "Zen and the Art of Mototcycle Maintenance."

This leather jacket belongs to the ex-wife of author Robert Pirsig, whose married name was Nancy Pirsig. She is selling it because she doesn’t need it, since she now lives in a warm climate and no longer rides a motorcycle.

­
December 2008

Jill Collins, ZMM Enthusiast from Columbia SC, Makes Truly Wonderful Wall Calendar Full of Photos and Quotations From Book ""Zen and the Art of Mototcycle Maintenance."

Yesterday I had a great ZMM Discussion and Time of Sharing with Jill Collins and her friend Paul Holton. While we were enjoying the great food at Pats Restaurant (Downtown Aiken), Jill handed me, as a gift, her wonderful wall calendar creation. For each of the twelve months, there was a 1968 Robert Pirsig photo, as well as about four other photos of the ZMM Route. It is: in full color, two page spiral bound, opens to 17" high X 11" wite, professionally printed, all phoots with full caption. It is a work of art!! The calendar cover has the color photo of the "Church of the Minorites, Jill's favorite Lional Feiniger painting. Well done all over! Thank you, thank you Jill !!
(PS: I suspect you could get a copy also. Promise of reimbursement of costs + shiping.and a real nice note pleding for one, would start the process. Send email to me if you are interested.)

­
January 2008 Up-Dated November 2008

Nancy Pirsig Motorcycle Jacket For Sale. Description (revised) from Ted Pirsig

	This leather jacket belongs to the ex-wife of author Robert Pirsig, whose married name was Nancy Pirsig. She is selling it because she doesn’t need it, since she now lives in a warm climate and no longer rides a motorcycle.

The label says “Perfecto Genuine Steerhide, Handcut, Schott Bros., Size 38.”
It has a fleecy warm lining and collar. It fits her fine and she normally wears a size 10 or 12, or medium. It is in good condition.

It was purchased around the late sixties or early seventies, and worn on many motorcycle trips – day or weekend trips in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

In the photo, taken in the Pirsigs’ St. Paul driveway in the early seventies, you can see Bob Pirsig in the background.

Proceeds from this sale will go into a college fund for Nancy and Bob’s grandson, who is currently a high school senior.
Link no longer valid.

Up-Date November 2008

Nancy Pirsig Motorcycle Jacket Re-Offered For Sale. Description (revised) from Nancy James.

Dear Prof. Gurr,

I am Nancy James, the ex-wife of Robert Pirsig. (If you have read "Zen and Now" by Mark Richardson, you know who I am.)

I just wanted to let you know, so perhaps you might mention this on your fascinating website, that the motorcycle jacket I used to wear when Bob and I went cycling is now for sale on eBay. You can see it here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300278559839

It is in real good condition as I have not worn it for many years. My son Ted is handling the eBay listing and I will be mailing the jacket if we get any bids, as I have it here in Florida, where I live.

Thanks for your considering this.

Nancy James

August 2008

Mr. Richardson's new book "Zen and Now: Following the Route of Book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". tells the story of his experiences: Some are wild and some prove dangerous!! A fascinating read and I am sure you will not want to miss it!

On Monday 19 July 2004. Mr. Richardson traveled the route described in the book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". His photos, and interesting commentary, may be seen at last link below. For his trip, he traveled on his trusty Jakie Blue motorcycle, starting in Toronto and ending at the Zen Center in San Francisco, two weeks later.
Mr. Mark Richardson, is a writer and the Automobile -Motorcycle Editor for the Toronto Star Newspaper, one of Canada's foremost newspapers.
Mr. Richardson's book "Zen and Now" will published simultaneously in the United States and Canada this September 9th, 1008. This will honor the 40th anniversary of Robert Pirsig's original 1968 ride. Knopf is one of Random House's most prestigious divisions. It will be published in paperback by Vintage also.
A) Description of book "Zen and Now: On the Trail of Robert Pirsig and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance".
B) Interview with Mark Richardson: Learn More About his "ZMM Trip: and how he wrote his book, mentioned above.
C) Mark Richardson's Photos of his trip.

We all can thank him for this considerable service to the world of literature and Pirsig fans everywhere!! Of course it is just marvelous to see Pirsig there and see what he had to say. This is history at it's best!! One note of caution: This DVD is somewhat of an amature production, but still enjoyable if you can ignore the rough places.
A) You can see it all by| getting your own DVD of "Arrive Without Traveling".here.
B) Ian Glendinning's Review "Arrive Without Traveling" is here.

One of the soon-to-be-released DVD's from Dr. McWatt, will document the 2005 status of John Sutherland's old BMW, complete with that cycle's original BMW Owners Manual!! (This manual even has John's own original signature in it!!) In this DVD, it's, priceless to hear the current owner's (Ollie Foran) own story re how he got that venerated bike, and how he has revered it all these years!!.

A) Bozeman Daily Chronicle
B) Gennie's life & art showing two of her very nice paintings.
C) DeWeese Family WebSite showing many more of Gennie's paintings.
D) Description of Gennie DeWeese Celebration that took place June 20-21, 2008.

A) When major new information is added to this ZMMquality WebSite & Gallery, I will announce it on this page, as soon as possible.

"Arrive Without Traveling": The First Ever MOQ Conference Is Now On DVD!!

You can see it all by getting your own copy of "Arrive Without Traveling".

Zen and Now: On the Trail of Robert Pirsig and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

November 2007

February 13-16, 2008

• Analysis of media, consumer capitalist, corporate, or other power structures in relation to motorcycling culture or popular myth
• Biographical analysis of noteworthy motorcyclists and their influence upon myth, culture, or cultural capital

A) When major new information is added to this ZMMquality WebSite & Gallery, I will announce it on this page, as soon as possible.

B) AND If I become aware of new information re Robert Pirsig and his book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance", that information will be placed here also.

4 July 2008

Help Needed For Making A "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" Video Documentary Marking 40 Years Since Author Pirsig's Original ZMM Trip.

Mr. Lee Glover, an independent documentary filmmaker from Boise Idaho, is traveling and video filming the entire ZMM route during July and early August 2008. This effort will mark the 40 year anniversary Robert Pirsig's original trip with Chris, from Minneapolis to San Francisco.
Mr. Glover needs your help in the following ways:
1) If you happen to be traveling this route, you may volunteer to be filmed and interviewed for this documentary, as a “Pirsig’s Pilgrim”. Whether traveling by motorcycle or not, if you are planning the trip during July/August 2008 (Or know someone who is) please contact Mr. Lee Glove.
2) Similarly if you live, or travel, near the ZMM Route, Lee would like to catch up you along the route this summer for video interview and idea sharing.
3) If you have a passion for ZMM, and have ideas or thoughts you would like to share with others, please let Lee know. Thanks!

Contact Lee Glover, for help with his ZMM Route Documentary
Phone = 208-860-2313 or
Email = leelg77*msn.com (replace the asterisk with the appropriate character).

One note of caution: This DVD is somewhat of an amature production, but still enjoyable if you can ignor the rough places.

For some preliminary photos of Dr. McWatt and his traveling companions, Summer 2005, scroll down this page and at left click on the Fourth Album = "Former home of John and Sylvia Sutherland".

This is a passing of an era! Here are some very good articles on what Gennie has meant to many people. If you are aware of other articles, please contact me.

Description of Gennie DeWeese Celebration that took place June 20-21, 2008.

I want you both to be first to know that my book Zen and Now was sold this week to Knopf, which will publish it simultaneously in the United States and Canada next September. This very fast turnaround is so that it will be published on the 40th anniversary of the original 1968 ride.

All the best, and many, many thanks. Mark Richardson
[[http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl/9780307269706.html|
Zen and Now: On the Trail of Robert Pirsig and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.]]

June 2008

"Arrive Without Travelling": The First Ever MOQ Conference Is Now On DVD!!

BBC Cameras were running while Robert Pirsig & Fellow Travelers met in their first ever conference on MetaPhysics of Quality (MOQ), at the University of Liverpool, Philosophy Department, July 2005.

Dr. McWatt is to be congratulated for organizing this conference, and then seeing the possibility of getting this very important First MOQ Conference onto DVD!! And now he has seen this DVD project thru to completion!! BRAVO!!

We all can thank him for this considerable service to the world of literature and Pirsig fans everywhere!!

Of course it is just marvelous to see Pirsig there and see what he had to say. This is history at it's best!!

You can see it all by getting your own copy of "Arrive Without Travelling".

Ian Glendinning's Review is here.

NOTE: In the forth coming months, we can look forward to additional DVD's by Dr. WcWatt. These DVD 's, videos recorded along the route of the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, will show the travel experiences of Anthony McWatt and his MOQ Film Crew.

One of these future DVD's from Dr. McWatt, will document the 2005 status of John Sutherland's old BMW, complete with that cycle's original BMW Owners Manual!! (This manual even has John's own original signature in it!!) In this DVD, it's, priceless to hear the current owner's (Ollie Foran) own story re how he got that venerated bike, and how he has revered it all these years!!.

For some preliminary photos of Dr. McWatt and his traveling companions, Summer 2005,. Scroll down to Fourth Album "Former home of John and Sylvia Sutherland" .

January 2008

Nancy Pirsig Motorcycle Jacket For Sale

Description (revised)
This leather jacket belongs to the ex-wife of author Robert Pirsig, whose married name was Nancy Pirsig. She is selling it because she doesn’t need it, since she now lives in a warm climate and no longer rides a motorcycle.

The label says “Perfecto Genuine Steerhide, Handcut, Schott Bros., Size 38.”
It has a fleecy warm lining and collar. It fits her fine and she normally wears a size 10 or 12, or medium. It is in good condition.

It was purchased around the late sixties or early seventies, and worn on many motorcycle trips – day or weekend trips in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

In the photo, taken in the Pirsigs’ St. Paul driveway in the early seventies, you can see Bob Pirsig in the background.

Proceeds from this sale will go into a college fund for Nancy and Bob’s grandson, who is currently a high school senior.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300190933503#ShippingPayment

Gary Wegner says it well for all ZMM Readers: "Although I never had the pleasure of meeting her [Gennie] in person, over the years it seems she, like many others in ZAMM, have become familiar characters in my own story. Good literature does that. As a member of the Pirsig Pilgrimage class of ’78, I called Gennie when we arrived in Bozeman. She was very gracious in answering my questions, and when I asked her to define Pirsig in a word, she replied, “Intense.” Perfect. I like that. And I like the fact that Chris and Gennie and her husband Bob will forever live on in the pages of ZAMM. That is no small measure of immortality. We owe a debt of gratitude to Gennie for advising Pirsig, “You should write all this down . . . Without trying to get it perfect.” Perfect."

Treasured Montana artist Gennie DeWeese died peacefully in her studio home surrounded by family on Monday, Nov. 26, 2007.

This is a time of great loss and sadness for Pirsig Pilgrim's who have been privileged to meet Gennie. And no less for ZMM Enthusiasts who know her only through reading ZMM. I was indeed blessed to have visited several hours with her twice at the DeWeese home in Cottonwood Canyon, Bozeman.
Gary Wegner says it well for all ZMM Readers: "Although I never had the pleasure of meeting her [Gennie] in person, over the years it seems she, like many others in ZAMM, have become familiar characters in my own story. Good literature does that. As a member of the Pirsig Pilgrimage class of ’78, I called Ginnie when we arrived in Bozeman. She was very gracious in answering my questions, and when I asked her to define Pirsig in a word, she replied, “Intense.” Perfect. I like that. And I like the fact that Chris and Ginnie and her husband Bob will forever live on in the pages of ZAMM. That is no small measure of immortality. We owe a debt of gratitude to Ginnie for advising Pirsig, “You should write all this down . . . Without trying to get it perfect.” Perfect."

This is a passing of an era! Here are some very good articles on what Gennie has meant to many people.
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Gennie's life & art showing two of her very nice paintings.
DeWeese Family WebSite showing many more of Gennie's paintings.

November 2007

Mr. Mark Richardson, is a writer and the Automobile -Motorcycle Editor for the Toronto Star Newspaper, one of Canada's foremost newspapers.

Starting Monday 19 July 2004. Mr. Richardson also followed the ZMM Route. This Album Shows Mr. Richardson's Photos of his trip, as he toured on his trusty Jakie Blue motorcycle. His photos and interesting commentary started in Toronto and ended at the Zen Center in San Francisco, two weeks later. Mr. Richardson has written up his experiences into his forth-coming book. It is fascinating to read and I am sure you will not want to miss it!

Email Newsflash, 7 Nov 07 From Mark Richardson: His New Book Concerning His ZMM Route Experiences Has A Publisher!

Hi Henry and Ian:
I want you both to be first to know that my book Zen and Now was sold this week to Knopf, which will publish it simultaneously in the United States and Canada next September. This very fast turnaround is so that it will be published on the 40th anniversary of the original 1968 ride.
Knopf is one of Random House's most prestigious divisions. It will be published in paperback by Vintage. **** Snip ****

As before, I'll keep you in the loop about its progress and I hope to be able to send you a final version before publication. That's no longer my decision, of course, but I expect your feedback and comments on the manuscript will be welcomed. Your assistance and web sites will be properly acknowledged in the published book, of course. And if you want to go ahead now and mention on your sites that the book will be published next September by Knopf, that's fine.
All the best, and many, many thanks,
Mark R.

This Site Has News Re Robert Pirsig and his book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". Be sure to also click other items in the Menu at Left

This Site Has Life & Time Line News, Re Robert Pirsig and his book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". Be sure to also surf other items in this very expansive WebSite.

Steps to find ALL my latest 2006 photos and related updates:

3) Type into this box Summer2006 and hit Enter.

' Read first 1) below = Origins....'' and then

November 2007

Mr. Mark Richardson .is a writer and the Automobile -Motorcycle Editor for the Toronto Star Newspaper, one of Canada's foremost newspapers.

Starting Monday 19 July 2004. Mr. Richardson also followed the ZMM Route. This Album Shows Mr. Richardson's Photos of his trip, as he toured on his trusty Jakie Blue motorcycle. His photos and interesting commentary started in Toronto and ended at the Zen Center in San Francisco, two weeks later. Mr. Richardson has written up his experiences into his forth-coming book. It is fascinating to read and I am sure you will not want to miss it! He is currently seeking a publisher.

Email 7 Nov 07, From Mark Richardson: His New Book Concerning His ZMM Route Experiences Has A Publisher!
Hi Henry and Ian:
I want you both to be first to know that my book Zen and Now was sold this week to Knopf, which will publish it simultaneously in the United States and Canada next September. This very fast turnaround is so that it will be published on the 40th anniversary of the original 1968 ride.
Knopf is one of Random House's most prestigious divisions. It will be published in paperback by Vintage. **** Snip ****

As before, I'll keep you in the loop about its progress and I hope to be able to send you a final version before publication. That's no longer my decision, of course, but I expect your feedback and comments on the manuscript will be welcomed. Your assistance and web sites will be properly acknowledged in the published book, of course. And if you want to go ahead now and mention on your sites that the book will be published next September by Knopf, that's fine.<br />All the best, and many, many thanks,
Mark R.

Novenber 2007

The University of Chicago "Showdown": ZMM Narrator vs The Chairman.

Some very good observations re ZMM. Here is an excerpt to get you interested:

" .... I believe the last part of ZMM contains one of the most historically important showdowns in the history of American Literature, and indeed one of the most historically important showdowns in the history of man. That may sound absurdly exaggerated, but my Quality Intuition seems to tell me otherwise. There may be a few people who agree with me, but it's really sad that the majority of humans will probably not realize the significance of this showdown for many years.

One of Pirsig's greatest gifts IMO is his ability to move around *huge* chunks of preexisting thought patterns; patterns that are so enormous and that we are so dependent on, that we usually don't even realize they exist. Patterns of thought that we are generally blind to. Pirsig can shed light on these patterns like no other......."
http://www.mail-archive.com/lilasquad@moq.org/msg00456.html

A) When major new information is added to this ZMMquality WebSite & Gallery, I will announce it on this page, as soon as possible.

B) AND If I become aware of new information re Robert Pirsig and his book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance", that information will be placed here also.

A New Page That Has Much Good, Well Organized, Information re Robert Pirsig and his book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance".

This Site Has Uptodate Life & Time Line News, Re Robert Pirsig and his book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". Be sure to also surf other items in this very expansive WebSite.

You may gain inspiration and ideas from our Passive Solar Home just North of the University of South Carolina Aiken Campus. Click here to see more about Solar Home of Suzanne & Henry Gurr.r

A) The most concentrated series of photo-up-dates relate to the Narrator & Chris Mountain Climb at Bozeman, MT. (These photos relate to "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" pages 167-232 in Bantam Paper Back Edition.)

These updated photos are the first 33 photos of ZMM Part III.. The last 4 of these 33 photos, are actually topo maps showing a possible route of their mountain climb. To see these CLICK HERE

The "Gallery Search Box" is the easiest way to find my 2006 photos (or any specific words) in the captions of any of my Gallery Photos. Instructions next below:

To find ALL my latest 2006 photos and related updates:

1) First read all the way through the following 9 instructions.

4) You will note that the search words are shown in bold in the captions shown.
5) Scan the resulting photos for those you want to look at.
6)Click on the small photo to see a medium sized version.
7) If you want a larger photo, click on the photo again.
8) Contact me if you have any questions.
9) Now click below to go to the photo albums and do the above 8 search steps:

Above quoted text is from
http://www.synaptic.bc.ca/ejournal/Robert_M_Pirsig.htm

I have just finished two books that Ian Glendinning will most certainly want to include these books in his efforts to understand human functioning and best principles of enlightened industrial management!!

It would be best to read in order that Dr. Donald wrote these books;

 ' Read first 1) below = Origins....'' and then 

Read second 2) below = Rare.... ''', since the first book helps stage the second.
Click here, then click on each book at Amazon.com literary reviews.

1) Merlin Donald, Origins of the Modern Mind : Three Stages in the Evolution of Culture and Cognition.

Library of Congress Catalogue Number = BF311 .D572 (1991).

2) Merlin Donald, A Mind So Rare : The Evolution of Human Consciousness.

Library of Congress Catalogue Number = BF311 .D57 (2001).

What Books to Read: Reviews & Bibliographies by Robert Teeter.

This work of Dean Summers compliments and supports the larger

Both of these authors are worthy of your attention.
a) http://www.robertpirsig.org/Pragmatism.htm
b) http://www.robertpirsig.org/PhD.htm

Pirsig has pointed out to me recently that a book relating his work and John Dewey's is due to be published this November by Palgrave Macmillan. It's titled “John Dewey, Robert Pirsig, and the Art of Living: Revising Aesthetic Education” (ISBN 1-4039-7402-0). The author is David A. Granger (PhD from University of Chicago!) who is the Associate Professor of Education at The State University of New York at Genese. Grainger has already published some other work on the pragmatists such as "Recovering the Everyday: John Dewey as Emersonian Pragmatist."

Book information at:

News Archive. Below Is an Archive of Older "News".

John Sutherland Interview DVD Now Available.

I needed to personally DO SOMETHING. But what? ..... While doing research into a new refrigerator (to replace our 36 year frig) I realized my calling. Other people could use my search experience: Soon available, What Information Resources To Go To And What To Avoid http://ww2.usca.edu/ResearchProjects/ProfessorGurr/SaveEnergyGuide

You may gain inspiration and ideas from our Passive Solar Home just North of the University of South Carolina Aiken Campus. Suzanne Henry GurrSolarHome

October 2007

The Popular Culture Association and American Culture Associations is inviting papers on motorcycling and its impact on American and other societies and cultures.Motorcycle Life and Culture.

Annual Meeting of the PCA?ACA Southwest?Texas
Feburary 13-16, 2008
Hyatt Regency, Albuquerque NM
(And Probably Repeats Each Year.)

Suggested topics include:

• Riders' narratives or descriptions of the ride
• The motorcycle as art, poetry, or agency
• Rituals, norms, customs, or influences in motorcycle culture
• The biker as subaltern or as "other"
• Movies, films, or other images of motorcyclists
• Analyses of media, consumer capitalist, corporate, or other power structures in relation to motorcycling culture or popular myth
• Biographical analyses of noteworthy motorcyclists and their influence upon myth, culture, or cultural capital
• Racial, ethnic, gendered, class, or demographic aspects of motorcycling culture
• Other literary, anthropological, geographical, historical, sociological, or psychological perspectives of motorcycling culture

Please respond to the Area chair with a biographical statement and an abstract of 150 words by November 15, 2007. Graduate student submissions are welcome. Since responders may be assigned to presentations, completed papers should also be sent to the Chair for review, not later than January 15, 2008.
http://www.h-net.org/announce/show.cgi?ID=158838

I needed to personally DO SOMETHING. But what? ..... While doing research into a new refrigerator (to replace our 36 year frig) I realized my calling. Other people could use my search experience: Soon available, What Information Resources To Go To And What To Avoid http://ww2.usca.edu/ResearchProjects/ProfessorGurr/SaveEnergyGuide

A New Site That Has Much Good, Well Organized, Information re Robert Pirsig and his book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance".

http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/robert_m_pirsig.html

This Site Has Uptodate News Re Robert Pirsig and his book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". Be sure to also click other items in the Menu at Left

http://robertpirsig.org/news.htm

This Site Has Uptodate LifeTimeLineNews Re Robert Pirsig and his book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". Be sure to also click other items in this very expansive WebSite.

http://www.psybertron.org/timeline.html

To See My Scrambled Collection of Ideas and Text for "Future Work" Go here: New Work In Progress.

This Is a Page of News Items Specifically Related To This ZMM Quality Website, Or Other Work By Henry Gurr.

When major new information is added to this ZMMquality WebSite & Gallery, I will announce it on this page, as soon as possible.

If I become aware of new information re Robert Pirsig and his book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance", that information also will be placed here.

July 2007

This Site Has Uptodate News Re Robert Pirsig and his book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". Be sure to also click other items in the Menu at Left

http://robertpirsig.org/news.htm

July 2007

This Site Has Uptodate LifeTimeLineNews Re Robert Pirsig and his book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". Be sure to also click other items in this very expansive WebSite.

www.psybertron.org/timeline.html

July 2007

A New Site That Has Much Good, Well Organized, Information re Robert Pirsig and his book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance".

http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/robert_m_pirsig.html

June 2007

New Earth Care WebPages Now Being Developed: Gurr's Green Guide To Energy Saving & Global Warming.

After seeing Al Gore's movie An Inconvenient Truth, I Decided Global Warming was here for real! The developing Global Warming Crisis is most certainly going to be the Grand Father Of All Problems: Global Warming, bad enough on its own, mill bake every other human problem vastly worse!

I needed to personally DO SOMETHING. But what? ..... While doing research into a new refrigerator (to replace our 36 year frig) I realized my calling. Other people could use my search experience: Soon available, What Information Resources To Go To And What To Avoid. Look for it in menu at left.

New 2006 Updates To My Photo Albums Showing the Sights & Scenes of ZMM Book Are Still In Progress. Here Are Instructions How To Find My Newest Photos and Updated Captions.

A) The most concentrated series of updates are for my photos of the Narrator's Mountain Climb, with Chris, while they are in Bozeman MT. See "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" pages 167 -232 in Bantam Paper Back Edition.

These updated photos are the first 33 photos of ZMM Part III. Of these, the last 4 photos are actually topo maps showing a possible route of their mountain climb. To see these CLICK HERE

In general the "Gallery Search Box" is the easiest way to find specific words in the captions of any my Gallery Photos as follows:

To find ALL my latest 2006 photos and related updates:

2) After you click on the link of step 8) below, you will see at the upper right of the listed Albums, an empty box with word Search.

4) Scan the resulting photos for those you want to look at and click on the small photo to see a medium sized version.

"A lengthy (by web standards) academic treatise explores ZMM's 'crises of reason' theme. With notes and a short bibliography."

I have just finished two books that Ian will most certainly want to include in his efforts to understand human functioning.

1) Merlin Donald, Origins of the Modern Mind : Three Stages in the Evolution of Culture and Cognition. Library of Congress Catalogue Number = BF311 .D572 (1991).
2) Merlin Donald, A Mind So Rare : The Evolution of Human Consciousness. Library of Congress Catalogue Number = BF311 .D57 (2001).

To Use the Amazon "Search Inside", You Must Have An Amazon.com Log-On and Pass-Word AND Have Purchased From Them. Here Is What You Do: Bring up Amazon.com on your browser. Then find a book that has the special "Search Inside" Icon. This has a large red curved arrow and the word search inside in green & blue. (I provide a link to a handy example below.) Place your mouse cursor on this icon, and a bunch of choices will come up. Have fun clicking to find what each of these choices is all about!! Some choices will request your user name and password. (
BUT "SEARCH INSIDE NOT WORK FOR ME: Although the Amazon "Search Inside" usually worked great for me, sometimes I would get a warning saying "Important Message: You don't satisfy their criterion to use the "Search Inside", such as you haven't purchased books fm Amazon. Under this "Important Message" condition, I could not get the most (useful) of the "Search Inside" results. After several emails to "Amazon.com Help", I learned that I couldn't get "Search Inside" to work, because I had TWO Amazon.com accounts, and I did not seem able to avoid the "bad" one!! Again with the "Amazon.com Help", I supplied my old credit card number, which identified my old account with which I had purchased books. This allowed me to delete the other (bad) account, and now I can use all the great features of the Amazon "Search Inside" !!}

Photographs Taken by Robert Pirsig When He Was On His Original 1968 Trip.

Other New Development Pending On This ZMMquality Site.

Regularly I Discover New Ideas or Materials For This Site, But No Time At the Moment to Post Them. ..... So I "Stick" these in a special place waiting for me.
To See My Scrambled Collection of Ideas and Text for "Future Work" Go here: New Work In Progress

It would be best to read in order that Dr. Donald wrote these books; Origins first and Rare second, since the first book helps stage the second. Click here, then click on each book at Amazon.com literary reviews.

  | Click here, then click on each book at Amazon.com literary reviews. ]] 

 | Click here, then click on each book at Amazon.com literary reviews. ]] 

New 2006 Updates To My Photo Albums Showing the Sights & Scenes of ZMM Book Are Still In Progress. Here Are Instructions How To Find My Newest Photos and Updated Captions.

A) The most concentrated series of updates are for the Narrator's Mountain Climb while they are in Bozenan MT.

These are the first 33 photos of ZMM Part III, the last 4 photos are actually topo maps showing a possible route of the climb. To see these CLICK HERE

B) The remainder of my 2006 updates are distributes thru ZMM Parts I and II.

In general the "Gallery Search Box" is the easiest way to find specific words in the captions of any my Gallery Photos.

But specifically to find ALL my latest 2006 photos and related updates:

1) Read these following instructions.
2) After you you click on the link of step 8) below, you will see at the upper right of the listed Albums,an empty box with word Search.
3) Type into this box Summer2006 and hit Enter.
4) Scan the resulting photos for those you want to look at and click on the small photo to see a mediun sized version.

It would be best to read in order that Dr. Donald wrote these books; Origins first and Rare second, since the first book helps stage the second. [[ http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/002-3805105-2895249?%5Fencoding=UTF8&dym=0&search-type=ss&index=stripbooks%3Arelevance-above&field-keywords=Merlin%20%20Donald
| Click here, then click on each book at Amazon.com literary reviews. ]]

1) Read these instructions.
2) After you you click on the link step 8), you will see at the upper right of the listed Albums,an empty box with word Search.

5) You will note that the search words are shown in bold in the captions shown.

8) Now click here to go to the photo albums and do the above search steps:
http://ww2.usca.edu/ResearchProjects/ProfessorGurr/gallery/

November 2006

New Updates To My Photo Albums Showing the Sights & Scenes of ZMM Book Are In Progress. Here Are Instructions How To Find My Newest Photos and Updated Captions.

The "Gallery Search Box" is the easiest way to find specific words in the captions of any my Gallery Photos.

But specifically to find my latest 2006 photos and related updates:

1) Click on the link next below.
2) At the upper right of the listed Albums, you will see an empty box with word Search.
3) Type into this box [ Summer2006 ] and hit Enter.
4) Scan the resulting photos for those you want to look at and click of photo to see a mediun sized version.
5) Note that the search words are shown in bold.
6) If you want a larger photo, click on the photo again.
7) Contact me if you have any questions.

Very Good Essay re the Main Messages of ZMM & How Related to Other Authors.

1 Very Good Essay re the Main Messages of ZMM & How Related to Other Authors.

"A lengthy (by web standards) academic treatise explores ZAMM's 'crises of reason' theme. With notes and a short bibliography."
http://www.public.iastate.edu/%7Econsigny/pirsig.html
Above quoted from http://www.synaptic.bc.ca/ejournal/Robert_M_Pirsig.htm

July 2006

1) Merlin Donald, Origins of the Modern Mind : Three Stages in the Evolution of Culture and Cognition. BF311 .D572 (1991)
2) Merlin Donald, A Mind So Rare : The Evolution of Human Consciousness. BF311 .D57 (2001)

I have just finished two books that Ian will most certainly want to include in his efforts to understand human functioning.

July 2006

I have just finished two books that Ian will most certainly want to include in his efforts to understand human functioning.

Merlin Donald has masterfully assembled for us a vast panorama of human mind that is very insightful and very correct. He, using wide range of evidence, weaves a tapestry that includes a vast number of components, all of which we must be aware, as we work in various areas of knowledge, even ZMM.

It would be best to read in order that Dr. Donald wrote these books; Origins first and Rare second, since the first book helps stage the second. Click on each book at Amazon.com for literary reviews at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/002-3805105-2895249?%5Fencoding=UTF8&dym=0&search-type=ss&index=stripbooks%3Arelevance-above&field-keywords=Merlin%20%20Donald

More about Professor Donald at
http://psyc.queensu.ca/faculty/donald/donald.html

Merlin Donald, Origins of the Modern Mind : Three Stages in the Evolution of Culture and Cognition. (1991) BF311 .D572
Merlin Donald, A Mind So Rare : The Evolution of Human Consciousness. (2001) BF311 .D57

Now Available: Zen & Art of Teaching, a Masters Thesis by Grant K Hansen.

Zen And The Art Of Teaching :Using The Novel Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance For A Course Of Study In Advanced Placement Literature And Composition by Grant K. Hansen, Weber State College, Ogden, Utah.

In the Summer of 2003 I conducted a Video Interview with Mr. John Sutherland, one of the four main people in the ZMM book. I have completed a 80 Min DVD-Movie of this interview which will be sold for $15 plus $4 p&h. This DVD also has 35 of my photos of Mr. Sutherland, his home, his drums and photos of Robert Pirsig's old Minneapolis home & Nebo hood. Also on this DVD are three "movie-maps" showing: 1) A mark-up of Mr. Pirsig's original planed route for traveling from Minneapolis. 2) A mark-up of Mr. Pirsig's original planed route for traveling the return trip and 2) The ZMM Route as stated in the ZMM book.

"Perhaps though the most important thing, the ultimate demonstration of Pirsig's pragmatism is that his philosophy grounds out in everyday action...in everyday life. Like the founders of pragmatism Pirsig shows above all that there is a demonstrable reason why that which we feel is good, is good. Experience is not subjective, it is of the good, therefore the moral good issues directly from reality. Pragmatism breaks the picture in which knowledge is somehow ‘higher’ than experience and action. It does this by showing that knowledge is actually a form of action which is guided by experience. Pirsig's contribution has been to show that that experience is of an absolutely real good. Furthermore, the moral theory that this gives rise to, is an extremely interesting one. It is perhaps the most dramatic advance that he makes upon pragmatism, which is itself, for most critics, above all a moral philosophy. If for this reason alone, Pirsig's philosophy deserves to be re-evaluated in order to generate further analysis of its concepts. "

Click here to use the Amazon "Search Inside" feature with ZMM book.

I Have Just Discovered a Wonderful Source For Good Books and "Great Books Lists". It is one of the most extensive compilations of lists of Eastern and Western Classics I have seen! You should spend some time exploring this resource. Also be sure to add e a Bookmark (Favorite) on your web browser. Of course "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" is also included in Mr. Teeter's recommendations!

Below I give instructions how to use this new Amazon feature, to see valuable and interesting information about most books, like for example ''Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance"! You will be able to search for (and view) specific words and passages as well as get information re ZMM such as word frequency, relative reading difficulty, a list of books mentioned by ZMM and a list of books that, inturn mention ZMM. These new abilities are in addition the ability to see the book's covers, view inside (front and rear) covers, and read several pages. (These abilities have been available for several years now). Be aware that to use this new feature, you will have to have an Amazon.com account, user name and password. You will automatically get these if you have purchases books from Amazon.

To Use the Amazon "Search Inside", Here Is What You Do: Bring up Amazon.com on your browser. Then find a book that has the special "Search Inside" icon. This has a large red curved arrow and the word search inside in green & blue. (I provide a linl to a handy example below.) Place your mouse cursor on this icon and a bunch of choices will come up. Have fun clicking to find what each of these choices is all about!! Some choices will request your user name and password. (
ATTENTION & NOTE: Sometimes the Amazon "Search Inside" worked great for me, but sometimes I would get a warning saying "Important Message" you don't satisfy their criterion to use the "Search Inside", such as I haven't purchased books fm Amazon.? Under this "Important Message" condition, I could not get the most useful of the "Search Inside" results. After several emails to "Amazon.com Help", I learned that I couldn't get properly logged on, because I had TWO Amazon.com accounts, and I did not seem able to avoid the "bad" one!! Again with the "Amazon.com Help", I supplied my old credit card number, which identified my old account with which I had purchased books. This allowed me to delete the other account, and now I can use all the great features of the Amazon "Search Inside" !!}

As new information is added to ZMMQ, it will be reported here as soon as possible. If I am aware of new developments, as relates to Robert Pirsig and his book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance", that information also will be placed here.

I Have Just Discovered a Wonderful Source For Good Books and "Great Books Lists". It is one of the most extensive compilations of lists of Eastern and Western Classics I have seen! You should spend some time exploring this resource. Also be sure to add e a Bookmark (Favorite) on your web browser. Of course "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" is also included in mr Teeter's recommendations!

As new information is added to ZMMQ, it will be reported here as soon as possible. If I am aware of new developments, as relates to Robert Pirsig and his book "'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance'", that information also will be placed here.

June 2006

What Books to Read: Reviews, Bibliographies by Robert Teeter.

I Have Just Discovered a Wonderful Source For Good Books and "Great Books Lists". It is one of the most extensive compilations of lists of Eastern and Western Classics I have seen! You should spend some time exploring this resource. Also be sure to add e a Bookmark (Favorite) on your web browser. Of course "'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance'" is also included in mr Teeter's recommendations!
http://www.interleaves.org/~rteeter/whatbooks.html

June 2006

Anthony McWatt sends the following news:

http://www.oneonta.edu/library/edchange/2003_2004/art02.pdf

June 2005

Robert Pirsig's Philosophy Is a Direct Descendant of American Pragmatism

Compliments to the efforts of Dr. Anthony McWatt I have just been introduced to a very good article which shows clearly and succinctly how Robert Pirsig's Philosophy is a direct descendant of the American Pragmatism of Dewy and most especially of James. This article is the B A dissertation of Dean Summers of University of Central Lancashire, and may be viewed at http://www.robertpirsig.org/Pragmatism.htm .

Mr. Summers tightly organized writing makes a convincing case that Pirsig's two books, Lila and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance agree with, support, and considerably extend the philosophic traditions of pragmatism, especially American pragmatism.

Summers also shows how Pirsig has made pragmatism both clearer and more powerful. He also carefully points out how and where Pirsig fills-in some of the major weaknesses of Dewey and James.

Summers concludes:

"Perhaps though the most important thing, the ultimate demonstration of Pirsig's pragmatism is that his philosophy grounds out in everyday action...in everyday life. Like the founders of pragmatism Pirsig shows above all that there is a demonstrable reason why that which we feel is good, is good. Experience is not subjective, it is of the good, therefore the moral good issues directly from reality. Pragmatism breaks the picture in which knowledge is somehow ‘higher’ than experience and action. It does this by showing that knowledge is actually a form of action which is guided by experience. Pirsig's contribution has been to show that that experience is of an absolutely real good. Furthermore, the moral theory that this gives rise to is an extremely interesting one. It is perhaps the most dramatic advance that he makes upon pragmatism, which is itself, for most critics, above all a moral philosophy. If for this reason alone, Pirsig's philosophy deserves to be re-evaluated in order to generate further analysis of its concepts. "

(An extensive bibliography is also included.)

This work of Dean Summers compliments and supports the larger PhD thesis of Dr. Anthony McWatt. Both of these authors are worthy of your attention. http://www.robertpirsig.org/Pragmatism.htm
http://www.robertpirsig.org/PhD.htm

Henry Gurr

June 2006

New Book Shows Relation of Pirsig to Dewy and Aesthetic Education.

Anthony McWatt sends the following new:
Psirsig has pointed out to me recently that a book relating his work and John Dewey's is due to be published this November by Palgrave Macmillan. It's titled “John Dewey, Robert Pirsig, and the Art of Living: Revising Aesthetic Education” (ISBN 1-4039-7402-0). The author is David A. Granger (PhD from University of Chicago!) who is the Associate Professor of Education at The State University of New York at Genese. Grainger has already published some other work on the pragmatists such as "Recovering the Everyday: John Dewey as Emersonian Pragmatist." Book information at:
http://www.palgrave.com/products/Catalogue.aspx?is=1403974020
Professor Granger does not appear to have a WebPage, but here is his article on Educational Philosophy at:
www.oneonta.edu/library/edchange/2003_2004/art02.pdf

Recent Book, Doing School, "Experimentally" Confirms ZMM's Discussions of 1) the Problems of Grades In Education and 2) the Problems of Rote Meaningless Learning In USA Schools.

Doing School, by Denise Clark Pope, discusses at length the problems caused by the over emphasis of grades in our schools. For a whole school year author Pope "shadows" five students who are above average performers in an above average public high school. She reports, often in their student's own words, their high stressed lives Pope tells us of these student's academic experiences: hopes and fears, ambitions and doubts, successes and problems. It is clear that these students high drive for high grades is destructive of the educational enterprise and does not foster the students own desire to learn and develop. They have not learned meaningfully nor with sufficient understanding. Pope makes it clear to us, that this is what the "system" promotes, rewards, and indeed demands! These students are, turned into robots cranking out learned facts on the next exam, with the de-facto plan to forget what they have joylessly memorized, as they start the study cycle for the next exam. Real learning and a real education never has a chance! Overall Doing School, does a very good extensive job at documenting and experimentally confirming ZMM concerning the educational losses and problems created by grades
A good review of Doing School by George Abaunza, expands on my discussion. Same review at either link:
http://www.devereux1.org/books/books.php?id=2162&type=de or
http://www.ozarkguidance.org/poc/view_doc.php?id=2162&type=book&cn=28

May 2006

May 2006

Now For Practically Any Book In Amazon.com, You Can Get Interesting Statistical Information, Book Cross References and Conduct a "Search Inside"!

Below I give instructions how to use this new Amazon feature, to see valuable and interesting information about most books, like for example ''Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance"! You will be able to search for (and view) specific words and passages as well as get information re ZMM such as word frequency, relative reading difficulty, other books mentioned by ZMM and vice-versa. These new abilities are in addition the ability to see the book's covers, view inside (front and rear) covers, and read several pages (abilities which have been available for several years now). Be aware that to use this new feature, you will have to have an Amazon.com account, user name and password. You will automatically get these if you have purchases books from Amazon.

To Use the Amazon "Search Inside", Here Is What You Do: Log onto Amazon and find a book that has the special "Search Inside" icon. This has a large red curved arrow and the word search inside in green & blue. Place your mouse cursor on this icon and a bunch of choices will come up. Have fun clicking to find what each is about!! Some choices will request your user name and password. (NOTE: Sometimes the Amazon "Search Inside" works great for me, but sometimes I get "Important Message" saying I don't satisfy their criterion to use the "Search Inside", such as I haven't purchased books fm Amazon. Under this "Important Message" condition, I can not get any of the "Search Inside" results. Perhaps I can't get properly logged on, because I have two Amazon.com accounts, and I don't seem able to avoid the bad one!! I have purchased many books starting way back when Amazon was a new idea, so that should not be the problem. Or perhaps there is some other trouble?!?!?)

Seven New Pages Have Been Added to ZMM Quality. Plus New Revisions of Home and Gallery Info Page.

Check out my newly created pages. They are the top eight items in the main menu at the upper left. Even the Home Page (menu top) is revised. Also ZMM Gallery Captions Codes Page (menu 11th item) has been newly revised. If you have been away from ZMM Quality for a while, here is some new material and new resources re Pirsig's Book. Enjoy!! Let me know if you have any suggestions.

April 2006.

In the Summer of 2003 I conducted a Video Interview with Mr. John Sutherland, one of the four main people in the ZMM book. I am in process of completing a ~90 Min DVD-Movie of this interview which will be sold for $15 plus $4 p&h. This DVD also has 35 of my photos of Mr. Sutherland, his home, his drums and photos of Robert Pirsig's old Minneapolis home & Nebo hood. Also on this DVD are three "movie-maps" showing: 1) A mark-up of Mr. Pirsig's original planed route for traveling from Minneapolis. 2) A mark-up of Mr. Pirsig's original planed route for traveling the return trip and 2) The ZMM Route as stated in the ZMM book.

This Is a Page of News Items Specific Related To This ZMM Quality Website.

As new information is added to ZMMQ, it will be reported here as soon as possible If I am aware of new developments, as relates to Robert Pirsig and his book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, that information also will be placed here.

April 2006.

Now Available: Zen & Art of Teaching, a Masters Thesis by Grant K Hansen. 6

''Zen And The Art Of Teaching :Using The Novel Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance For A Course Of Study In Advanced Placement Literature
And Composition'' by Grant K. Hansen, Weber State College, Ogden, Utah.

I have recently obtained the complete text of this document and will share for those ZMM researchers and teachers who are interested. I am seeking permission to post this document on these Web Pages. Please contact me if you know how to contact Mr. Hansen or knows the person who grants copyright permissions at Weber State College.

News Archive. Below Is an Archive of Older "News".

July 2005.

A John Sutherland Interview DVD Now Available.

In the Summer of 2003 I completed a Video Interview with Mr. John Sutherland, one of the four main people in the ZMM book. I am in process of completing a ~90 Min DVD-Movie of this interview which will be sold for $15 plus $4 p&h. This DVD also has 35 of my photos of Mr. Sutherland, his home, his drums and photos of Robert Pirsig's old Minneapolis home & Nebo hood. Also on this DVD are three "movie-maps" showing: 1) A mark-up of Mr. Pirsig's original planed route for traveling from Minneapolis. 2) A mark-up of Mr. Pirsig's original planed route for traveling the return trip and 2) The ZMM Route as stated in the ZMM book.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of this DVD, or need other information, please contact me as soon as possible.

January 2005.

ZMM Photo CD Available Soon.

My entire collection of "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" research results, and digital photos will soon be available on a Compact Disk (CD). In my ZMM Research and travel on the ZMM Route, I was able to discover many sites mentioned in the book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". I have collected a considerable amount of potentially useful Information. For example: photographs, maps, and ZMM site directions. A limited selection of these results, are being placed on ZMM Quality Web Pages and on ZMM Quality Gallery Photo Albums. As soon as possible, an extensive collection of my research results, conclusions, and digital photos will be available on a Compact Disk (CD). If you are interested in purchasing a copy of this CD, or need other information, please contact me as soon as possible.

Summer 2003

Travel Guide for the ZMM Route Is Being Revised.

My Travel Guide for the ZMM Route is currently being revised to include new "On Site" ZMM Route Research Information. This Travel Guide describes how to follow the same route originally followed, in July 1968, by Robert Pirsig and his son Chris. This trip provided the very real experiences upon which Mr. Pirsig based his book.

In June/July 2002 I traveled (and researched) the entire "ZMM Route". I attempted to find, and photograph, every sight/scene described in ZMM: Summaries of what I found are on ZMMquality.org as follows:

To see the current version of ZMM Route "Travel Guide", click on it in the Main Menu at upper left.

April 2003.

Gallery Slide Show Instructions.

To read instructions on how to view my gallery using the "Gallery Slide Show", click on "Gallery Slideshow Info" in the Main Menu at upper left.

August 2003.

Photographs Taken by Robert Pirsig When He Was On His Original 1968 Trip.

My "ZMM Quality Photo Gallery" Albums now have photographs taken by Robert Pirsig when he was on his original 1968 trip. These "ZMM Quality Photo Gallery" Albums now also have approximately 760 of my pictures from my own 2002 ZMM Route Research trip. To view these photos , click on "Photo Gallery" in the Main Menu at upper left.

Please Ask If You Desire More Information.

In addition to the above, I have much ZMM and Pirsig information. I anticipate making this information available to serious ZMM researchers or biographers. .

END News

Page under development. Please come back soon.

News Archive

News Archive

Below is an archive of news about the ZMMQuality.org website, Robert Pirsig and the "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance."