On Quality

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From the author of the multi-million-copy-selling classic, this original collection features Robert Pirsig's writings on the central theme of his thought—"quality"—including never-before-seen selections from his unpublished works. Pirsig penned the line, "The ultimate goal in the pursuit of excellence is enlightenment," in 1962 while hospitalized as a psychiatric patient. Even before his famous book's release, he had identified the core idea of "Quality," akin to "excellence" or "rightness," linked to Buddhist concepts like "Dharma" or the "Tao." He famously stated, "Quality is Buddha." Though he became a revered figure, Pirsig published only two books and rarely engaged in public appearances. Nevertheless, he continued to refine his "Metaphysics of Quality" until his death in 2017. For the first time, readers can explore five decades of Pirsig's personal writings in this posthumous collection, which sheds light on his thought process. Edited and introduced by his wife, Wendy Pirsig, it includes unpublished texts, speeches, letters, and notes from his time in the mental hospital, alongside key excerpts from his renowned works. Since its 1974 publication, the classic has transformed generations and remains a significant touchstone in popular philosophy. This collection is a remarkable addition to the literary and philosophical canon from one of the most influential thinkers of our time.