Achieving excellence, with Brad Stulberg

In 'Lila: An Inquiry into Morals', Robert M. Pirsig continues his philosophical journey from 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance'. The story follows Phaedrus, Pirsig's alter ego, as he sails down the Hudson River and encounters Lila, a woman struggling with mental health issues and a chaotic life. The book delves into Pirsig's Metaphysics of Quality, distinguishing between static and dynamic quality, and explores themes such as morality, the interaction between intellectual and social patterns, and the critique of Western civilization's binary thinking. Through Lila's tumultuous life, Pirsig examines whether individuals who embody dynamic quality can be considered morally good, and whether moral value is static or dynamic.

This classic novel by Robert M. Pirsig is a personal and philosophical odyssey that delves into the author's search for meaning. The narrative follows a father and his son on a summer motorcycle trip from the Midwest to California, intertwining a travelogue with deep philosophical discussions. The book explores the concept of 'quality' and how it informs a well-lived life, reconciling science, religion, and humanism. It also touches on the author's own struggles with his past and his philosophical quest, making it a touching and transcendent exploration of human experience and endeavor.