Outside Reading: Journey as a Reflection of Character

Lizzie Nelson

I am currently reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, a philosophical book discussing the concept of journey and the philosophy behind many aspects of it. In this particular part of the book the author describes the journey of a character named Phaedrus. He describes this story where Phaedrus comes face to face with a timber wolf on his journey, and instead of running away or yelling in fear, he simply stares back. The describes how looking at the timber wolf was not like looking in a mirror or at a photograph but “another kind of image altogether which was not physical and did not exist in time at all […] he felt recognition.” He discusses how this timber wolf-like personality was reflected in his journey. How he walked alone, with his journey being less about the process and more about the pursuit he was trying to reach. A revenge he desired. Reading this reminded me of our discussions in class about the purpose of journey and the effects it ultimately has on your own life, your relationships, and your perception of the world. Phaedrus seems to ignore these greater purposes and uses his journey for a much more singular purpose, which was disappointing to read.

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