Gumption trap
Encyclopedia
A gumption trap is an event or mindset that can cause a person to lose enthusiasm and discourage them from starting or continuing a project. The term has seen little literary use since being coined by Robert Pirsig in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
despite being an important part in the practical application of his Metaphysics of Quality.
The word gumption itself is from old Scots meaning 'common sense, shrewdness and a sense of initiative'.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values is a 1974 philosophical novel, the first of Robert M. Pirsig's texts in which he explores his Metaphysics of Quality.The book sold 5 million copies worldwide...
despite being an important part in the practical application of his Metaphysics of Quality.
The word gumption itself is from old Scots meaning 'common sense, shrewdness and a sense of initiative'.
Types
Pirsig refers to two types of gumption traps: setbacks and hang-ups. The traps arise from external and internal circumstances, respectively.Setbacks
The nature of setbacks can vary considerably. For example, a minor setback might result from a minor injury. A larger setback might result from overlooking some critical element of a project, resulting in turn in long breaks and lack of interest in the project. Pirsig suggests preventing these kinds of gumption traps by being slow and meticulous, taking notes that might help later, and laying out everything required in a logical manner.Hang-Ups
Hang-ups stem from internal factors that can get in the way of starting or completing a project. Examples of such hang-ups include ego, anxiety, boredom, impatience, and an inability to re-evaluate facts that might seem unimportant. Dealing with hang-ups can be as simple as taking a break from the problem for a while.See also
- Zen and the Art of Motorcycle MaintenanceZen and the Art of Motorcycle MaintenanceZen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values is a 1974 philosophical novel, the first of Robert M. Pirsig's texts in which he explores his Metaphysics of Quality.The book sold 5 million copies worldwide...
- Pirsig's metaphysics of qualityPirsig's metaphysics of qualityThe Metaphysics of Quality is a theory of reality introduced in Robert Pirsig's philosophical novel, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and expanded in Lila: An Inquiry into Morals . The MOQ incorporates facets of East Asian philosophy, Pragmatism, the work of F. S. C. Northrop, and...
- Lila: An Inquiry into MoralsLila: An Inquiry into MoralsLila: An Inquiry into Morals is the second philosophical novel by Robert M. Pirsig, who is best known for his classic text, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Lila: An Inquiry into Morals was a nominated finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1992...
- Quality (philosophy)Quality (philosophy)A quality is an attribute or a property. Attributes are ascribable, by a subject, whereas properties are possessible. In contemporary philosophy, the idea of qualities and especially how to distinguish certain kinds of qualities from one another remains controversial.-Background:Aristotle analyzed...