Gumption trap: Difference between revisions
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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. |
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The word gumption itself is from old Scots meaning 'common sense, shrewdness and a sense of initiative'. |
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==Types== |
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Pirsig refers to two types of gumption trap, setbacks and hang-ups, which arise from external and internal circumstances respectively.<ref>{{cite book |last=Pirsig |first=Robert M. |authorlink=Robert M. Pirsig |title=Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values |location=New York |publisher=Quill |date=1999 |isbn=0688171664 |id=25th Anniversary Edition }}</ref> |
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===Setbacks=== |
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Types of setbacks could be anything from a small accidental injury to realising too late that something has been overlooked and the project will have to be started again, possibly leading to 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. |
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===Hang-Ups=== |
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Hang-ups are internal factors that can get in the way of starting or completing a project. Examples are ego, anxiety, boredom, impatience and an inability to re-evaluate facts that might seem unimportant. Dealing with hang-ups can be as simple as just taking a break from the problem for a while. |
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==See also== |
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* [[Pirsig's metaphysics of quality]] |
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* [[Lila: An Inquiry into Morals]] |
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* [[Quality (philosophy)]] |
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==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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[[Category:Robert M. Pirsig]] |
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[[Category:Technology neologisms]] |
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