[MF] Is the pinnacle of human experience...

[Muzikhed at aol.com]

Kevin wrote:

The question  I'm struggling with is, if Pirsig's Quality really is the  
"fundamental
constituent of the universe" then why do ZMM, the MOQ and this  forum have so
little to say about the quality of personal  relationships?

You asked what I "think is the  deeper hidden truth that kept Pirsig from 
discussing
relationships."   I don't know.  But looking at ZMM with one eye on 
relationships
makes  the whole thing look a little odd.  What does it mean to the average  
Joe?
What does it mean to the single Mom, with a family of 4, working two  jobs 
just to
make ends meet?  Does Pirsig's Quality or Zen for that  matter hold any value 
to
her?


Ted responds: (again!)
  Kevin, I'm not sure I completely accept your premise that ZMM has  little 
to say about personal relationships.  I think I know what you  mean, (with all 
the focus on gumptionology  welding, tappets, and  philosophy) but perhaps 
what it says about relationships is indirect.
 
   Recall also that Pirsig states his own personality/life  pattern was 
stronger in the intellectual areas, and weak in the social  areas.  His passion for 
intellectual ideas admittedly led him to have  personal relationship problems 
with everyone, including himself.   That's not unusual.  The history of great 
thinkers in science and the arts  are full of personal tragedy... often 
associated with the mental/spiritual  sacrifice required to serve the art. 
That doesn't necessarily mean the art is bad.  Or that the artist  doesn't 
know that community is important, family is important, love is  important, 
personal relationships are important.
 
  Is ZMM meaningful for working women & others in  struggle?  I don't know.  
I agree it seems male-oriented,  but I first heard of  ZMM in 75 from my 
former (first)  girlfriend, in 72.  She was a special ed. teacher, working with 
autistic  kids.  She thought it was a 'fine, fine book'.
I think it may be harder to get the full feeling of it as the 70's recede  
into history.  That 'groovy dimension' was palpable then as a cultural  
reference point.  Young readers in to 00's and 10's may not understand 60's  & 70's 
culture.
 
How does "the whole thing look odd?" regarding relationships.   Can you be 
more specific?  What do you feel is missing, or what did you  want him to say?   
 
 
In a general way, could we say that what you (or I) think is missing  from 
ZMM says as much about you (or I) as it says about Pirsig the author,  Pirsig 
the narrator, or Phaedrus?
 
(Thanks for the Merton quote.  I don't think Buddhism is the problem,  
either.)
 
& thanks for the dialog...
 
Ted