MEN R&D (Men that Read and Discuss)

MEN R&D: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
By Robert M. Pirsig
PLEASE OPEN AND READ THE FULL DESCRIPTION
MEN R&D is an ongoing book circle using emotional intelligence, honest dialogue, and authentic relating skills. In this book, we will explore Quality, values, identity, care, technology, mental well-being, and the relationship between a father and son. Please read the assigned chapters before each meeting.

· July 20th, 2026 – 5-7pm: MEN R&D (Read/Listen and Discuss, as we Eat!) Podcast meeting, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, 17 – Handle Bar, 751 N 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84103 – Marmalade/Downtown –
Apple Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-guide-to-zen-and-the-art-of-motorcycle-maintenance/id332516054?i=1000657150146
YouTube- https://youtu.be/PXqkQIiwcxU?si=MRtofMu_zYqAAXST
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/6DAEGvib1StuM9tPeZsPsO?si=S2F2WAR_TvW6VcTY5bVA7Q

# How We’ll Work with This Book

· Connect the story and ideas to our own lives, relationships, and work.
· Practice curiosity, self-reflection, emotional honesty, boundaries, accountability, and repair.
· Notice where reason, intuition, control, care, and vulnerability appear in the book—and in us.

# Themes

· Quality, values, and purpose
· Healthy masculinity and emotional honesty
· Reason, intuition, and control
· Identity and mental well-being
· Father-son relationships and repair
· Care, patience, and meaningful work

# What to Expect

· Brief check-in and guided discussion
· Connections between the reading and lived experience
· A closing reflection or practical intention

# Group Agreements

· Confidentiality: what is shared here stays here.
· Speak from your experience; listen to understand.
· Curiosity over certainty; consider impact as well as intent.
· No advice-giving unless requested. No recording.
· We start on time; please arrive a few minutes early.

# Bring

· Your copy of the book (print, digital, or audiobook)
· A pen or notebook, if helpful
· One passage, question, or idea that stayed with you

# Meeting Schedule

· July 13th, 2026 – 5-7pm: MEN R&D (Read/Listen and Discuss, as we Eat!) Podcast meeting, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, 17 – Handle Bar, 751 N 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84103 – Marmalade/Downtown –
Apple Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-guide-to-zen-and-the-art-of-motorcycle-maintenance/id332516054?i=1000657150146
YouTube- https://youtu.be/PXqkQIiwcxU?si=MRtofMu_zYqAAXST
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/6DAEGvib1StuM9tPeZsPsO?si=S2F2WAR_TvW6VcTY5bVA7Q
· July 20th, 2026 – 5-7pm: MEN R&D (Read/Listen and Discuss, as we Eat!) Podcast meeting, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, 17 – Handle Bar, 751 N 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84103 – Marmalade/Downtown –
Apple Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-guide-to-zen-and-the-art-of-motorcycle-maintenance/id332516054?i=1000657150146
YouTube- https://youtu.be/PXqkQIiwcxU?si=MRtofMu_zYqAAXST
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/6DAEGvib1StuM9tPeZsPsO?si=S2F2WAR_TvW6VcTY5bVA7Q
- July 27, 2026– 6:30-8:30pm: MEN R&D (Read and Discuss) Book meeting, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, By Robert M. Pirsig – CHAPTERS: Prologue,1-7 - Discussion Focus - Awareness and different ways of seeing – Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 – Downtown
- August 10, 2026– 6:30-8:30pm: MEN R&D (Read and Discuss) Book meeting, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, By Robert M. Pirsig – CHAPTERS: 8–15- Discussion Focus - Systems, assumptions, and identity – Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 – Downtown
- August 24, 2026– 6:30-8:30pm: MEN R&D (Read and Discuss) Book meeting, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, By Robert M. Pirsig – CHAPTERS: 16–20- Discussion Focus - Quality, creativity, and values – Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 – Downtown
- September 14, 2026– 6:30-8:30pm: MEN R&D (Read and Discuss) Book meeting, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, By Robert M. Pirsig – CHAPTERS: 21–26- Discussion Focus - Care, motivation, and moving through stuckness – Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 – Downtown
- September 28, 2026– 6:30-8:30pm: MEN R&D (Read and Discuss) Book meeting, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, By Robert M. Pirsig – CHAPTERS: 27–32- Discussion Focus - Integration, relationship, and the meaning of Quality – Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 – Downtown

# Sample Discussion Prompts

· What does Quality mean to me in everyday life?
· Where do I use analysis to understand—or avoid—my experience?
· Where do I confuse competence with control?
· What helps me return to patience, care, and purposeful action?
· What relationship, boundary, or repair is this reading inviting me to consider?
We’re here to practice, not to be perfect. Show up curious, respectful, and ready to grow.
Past Books:
· Lonesome Dove - Larry McMurtry
· Dealing with Feeling - Marc Brackett
· The Unspoken Grief of Men – S.L. Hans
· Iron John – Robert Bly
· Getting to Zero - By: Jayson Gaddis
· Dopamine Nation – Dr. Anna Lembke
· The Big Stick - Dr. Robert Glover, Tony Endelman
· Never Spilt the Difference - Chris Voss
· Men’s Work - Connor Beaton
· The Way of Men - Jack Donovan
· King, Warrior, Magician, Lover - Robert Moore, Doug Gillette