Curious Minds & Classic Books: A Reading Group

Ever wanted to finally get through Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance? Let’s do it together.

This week we explore Chapters 27–29. In these chapters Pirsig argues that Western philosophy took a wrong turn with Plato and especially Aristotle. He defends the Sophists as thinkers concerned with lived excellence (aretē) rather than abstract truth. Aristotle's emphasis on logic, categories, and objective classification made value seem secondary to facts. Pirsig reverses this order, claiming that we first experience Quality—an immediate sense of excellence or significance—and only then develop concepts, classifications, and scientific knowledge from that experience.

Our meetups are completely free. If you enjoy relaxed, thoughtful discussion, you’ll fit right in. Come join the conversation!

Location: Café in Newcastle West, Fenham – contact David (dv.inbox@icloud.com) for more details.