Searching for unattainable answers and other thoughts

Ashton, Kelly and Jared have all brought up wonderful points to which I can relate, ponder and attempt to discuss as well.  I agree with what Kelly and Jared have said thus far regarding the ying and yang symbol, it really does provide a (I almost just wrote “it serves as a quality example..” but caught myself!) for the relationship between quality and reason. They are intertwined and due to the nature of the topics themselves, I don’t think they can ever be separated. I enjoyed reading everyone’s opinions on how Pirsig attempts (or doesn't attempt ) to be a black and white thinker. I think it is clear that Pirsig knows the truths he is searching for will never be black and white, he really does know that, but it seems as if he is eternally in denial of this knowledge, and thus drives himself insane trying to narrow the rainbow of definitions (or lack thereof definitions) into two concrete black and white sections. Pirsig wants to create an approachable, accessible and tangible ways to categorize such topics in his head and the answers he is looking for are ultimately unattainable.

Also, I know this post is supposed to be mainly in response to Jared’s, but after reading Kelly and Ashton’s I just couldn't stop thinking about what Ashton said,  “I think that it is also important for our values of quality to always be challenged and improved. They should always be more of a working progress than a set in stone definition because experience changes us and how we perceive the world.” I really do agree with this sentiment and I know we have discussed it in class before but I think that as critical thinkers the best things we can do for ourselves is to allow for molding. We need to allow our definitions, truths and thoughts be constantly open to new ideas, concepts and change. 

The idea of fluidity and perspective has always been a focus of mine as I work to improve myself as a writer and critical thinker and as we shape these ideas in this class I am reminded of how important it is.  I think that we all have something to learn from Pirsig. He is a complex fellow, but his overall desire to know the truth and to come to the best possible conclusion available is inspiring. I admire (in a weird way of course) the lengths he goes in the name of rationality and knowledge.