content: That review by "Woodchuck" helped clarify what I wanted to say.I read it years ago, and "knew" that the author was unbalanced, but also that he held an enormous attraction to many, many people. I couldn't reconcile the two.I've never known anyone who was schizophrenic, but Pirsig's belief system echoes exactly what the reviewer was saying; something I would have catagorized as "grandiosity," with no small amount of paranoia thrown into the mix.In any case -- should you decide to pursue this book -- know that the text is rambling and simplistic.I've read many of the reviews, and those people who were lost or somewhat depressed (or even mentally disturbed -- I'm not quite sure) seem to really enjoy the book. Those people who are basically happy with their lives and mentally "sound" are dismayed and (somewhat) disgusted with the book.I'm not disgusted with the book, but with people who recommend it blindly to others.