Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - Robert M. Pirsig
Lately, I've been rereading some of the books that influenced me, as a youth. I would have to say that Zen sits at the top of that list. Reading it was a seminal event for me. It led me to a serious lifelong study of philosophy (both Eastern and Western); it forced me to examine my own thinking; and it changed how I viewed the external world. It was an inflection point, for someone in high school, searching for the truth, trying to figure out life.
I don't know if young people in the 21st century still read this book. And if they do, I don't know if it would have the same impact on their lives, like it had on mine. Modern society seems to be less concerned about - and less willing to pursue - such topics, as discussed in Pirsig's book.
