FULLTHROTTLE EXTEME ARTICLE

BOOK REVIEW

“Harley Davidson and Philosophy”
“Full Throttle Aristotle”
By: Bernard E. Rollin

  This is a book that is a bit philosophical without the mental wrestling of Pirsig’s “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance”.  I have studied some philosophy as an undergrad with all of the earnestness and seriousness that the times required. Years later, after reading hundreds of ‘biker genre books’, I came on this book. It reminded me of all of those seminal college conversations late into the night with girls I was trying to score with and to impress.  It generally did not work.  When your literary heroes are Hunter S. Thompson types, smart girls are generally afraid of you!
            This book is fun because it does not take itself too seriously and is written by philosophers-riders who can relate the topic of philosophy to a motorcycle, especially a Harley. The book is funny, irreverent, and a little Monty Python-like. It helped me to remember all of those philosophical issues I had thought I'd forgotten over the years -- e.g., what is the best way to live one's life? -- and it started me thinking about philosophy while riding my Harley.  This is a must read for any ‘lifer’ who seeks a higher understanding of why we do what we do, that is RIDE. 
            The book is thoroughly enjoyable and not the least bit wordy or verbose.  No formal philosophical training required.  It’s easily found on amazon.com for about twelve bucks.
            Remember, a bad day to ride is a good day to read.

Review Written by Steve Murrin, The Original Biker Lawyer