Robert Pirsig was an American author and philosopher, best known for his book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, published in 1974. This work combines a narrative about a motorcycle trip with philosophical discussions on quality and values, making it a unique blend of memoir and philosophy. Pirsig was born on September 6, 1928, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He studied at University of Minnesota and later served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His philosophical ideas have influenced many readers and thinkers, contributing to discussions on the nature of quality and the meaning of life.