Finally got a screw out as my friend, Nicole and I attempt to fix the rattling in the washing machine.

“To live only for some future goal is shallow. It’s the sides of the mountain that sustain life, not the top.” -Robert Pirsig

Fixing a Washing Machine.

Actually I tried to fix a washing machine and ultimately failed at the washing machine, yet succeeded in learning a spiritual lesson.  The washing machine at the home I am staying at with my friend, Nicole, gets rattly and we decide to try and fix it.  It is a challenge as my mechanical skills are nil.  

I recently finished Robert Pirsig’s classic book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.  A philosophical tale told through the eyes of a mentally ill man whom tours the USA on his motorcycle with his son.  The man believes there is more to fixing a motorcycle than just fixing the motorcycle.  The real motorcycle we are working on is ourselves.

Nicole tries her luck.

Reading the book has inspired me to work with my hands more and this is my perfect opportunity.

Here are some quotes from Robert Pirsig & Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance:

“The place to improve the world is first in one’s own heart and head and hands, and then work outward from there.” 

“The truth knocks on the door and you say, “Go away, I’m looking for the truth,” and so it goes away. Puzzling.” 

“‘Is it hard?’ 
‘Not if you have the right attitudes. Its having the right attitudes thats hard.’” 

“Like those in the valley behind us, most people stand in sight of the spiritual mountains all their lives and never enter them, being content to listen to others who have been there and thus avoid the hardships.” 

“If someone’s ungrateful and you tell him he’s ungrateful, okay, you’ve called him a name. You haven’t solved anything.” 

***

Tomorrow, before I hit the road again, Nicole and I get some dinner at Walmart and decide to do a Walmart Photoshoot.  

Create Our World.

Ben

“Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value.” -Robert Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

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Tags: adventure travel blog, Benjamin Jenks, create our world, hitchhiking, roadtrip around the USA, robert pirsig quotes, zen and the art of motorcycle quotes
Categories: Uncategorized

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