Air Quote by Robert M. Pirsig
“To an experienced Zen Buddhist, asking if one believes in Zen or one believes in the Buddha, sounds a little ludicrous, like asking if one believes in air or water. Similarly Quality is not something you believe in, Quality is something you experience.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig, 1974
Zen and quality are not abstract beliefs but lived experiences, like air or water, essential and undeniable.
In simple terms: Zen and quality are experienced, not believed.
Key Takeaway
Live the experience of quality.
Themes
philosophy
mindfulness
quality
Mood
contemplative
calm
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- daily meditation
- craftsmanship
- teaching
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Zen
quality
experience
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you notice quality in everyday tasks?
- Can you describe a moment of pure experience?
A Different Perspective
Quality can be hard to articulate, leading to misunderstanding.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)
