MD Introduction of a new member

[Balasoglou]

Hi all,   I joined the group yesterday and wondered of a way to become involved. I decided that I would introduce myself to the group and explain why I have decided to join the MOQ list.   I first read "Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" last year and read "Lila: An inquiry into morals" early this year so I am pretty inexperienced. To add to that I am only 16 years old which is rather young for a philosopher! I live in Auckland, New Zealand. I am still a 'high school' student (we call it college over here). Even though I am still very young a feel that it is possible for me to be involved in this discussion list. Age is not an issue to me as proven by the child prodigy William James Sidis. Before I read ZMM I was rather poor at the subject English and philosophy for a matter of fact. I was averaging in the high 30s. While my other subjects where in there middle 70s. Robert Prisig's book really changed the way I think of English and reading. Previously the biggest book I ever read was about 200 pages by some childish writer. So ZMM was a big step for me. A set out to read it in the start of 1999. It took me a long time to read since instead of reading it quickly I took it very slowly to really understand it. I bit like how Pirsig read to his son (Chris). I noticed that my English essays where boosted by my readings. I went from a rather underachiever with 35% in 1998 in English to a high flyer earning marks in the late 70s in 1999 and 2000. Even though you would say that ZMM would be complicated for a 15 year old I was surprised how the book interested me so much. It was hard to put down. I read it on the bus and when ever I head time after completing my homework. Since reading ZMM I have continued reading as much as I can. I was unaware if the existence of Lila until late last year and was excited at reading another book by RMP. I started reading it late last year. I found the book as being a lot more complicated and would have to say I didn't enjoy it as much as ZMM. Although Lila did have its moments of greatness, I felt that it would be a better book once I have gone to university and studied philosophy. I joined the discussion list so that I can further my knowledge of ZMM and LILA and to meet other people who enjoyed Pirisg's book.   Thank you for reading my post, I hope the age difference between us does not cause any trouble. I hope I can get involved with my small knowledge of ZMM and Lila. I also hope that I will learn from the other posters on this list. And to further my understanding of Metaphysics of Quality.   Thanks, Geoff