Defined Quote by Robert M. Pirsig
“Now, to take that which has caused us to create the world, and include it within the world we have created, is clearly impossible. This is why Quality cannot be defined. If we do define it, we are defining something less than Quality itself.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig, 1974
Quality is an undefinable, self‑evident standard that cannot be captured by definitions; attempts to define it diminish its essence.
In simple terms: Quality cannot be fully defined.
Key Takeaway
Accept the mystery of quality.
Themes
philosophy
epistemology
creativity
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- design work
- product development
- personal growth
- artistic creation
Key Concepts
Zen
quality
paradox
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you honor quality without naming it?
- What does “quality” feel like in practice?
A Different Perspective
Defining quality may limit innovation.
![“The self is defined psychologically as the psychic totality of the individual. Anything that a [person] postulates as being a greater totality than [oneself] can become a symbol of the self. For this reason the symbol of the self is not always as total as the definition would require.” quote by Carl Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/251/carl-jung-274_defined_the-self-is-defined-psychologically-as-t_7148.jpg)
