The Lotus and the Robot by Arthur Koestler published by the MacMillan Company, 1961 hardcover in good used condition "The Lotus and the Robot is an exploration of Eastern mysticism and Western rationalism. Koestler, a Hungarian-British author, travels to India and Japan to study their spiritual practices and philosophical systems. In India, he critiques the detachment and otherworldliness of Hindu mysticism, symbolized by "the lotus," while in Japan, he examines Zen Buddhism and the disciplined, mechanistic aspects of Japanese culture, symbolized by "the robot." Koestler analyzes the clash between traditional Eastern philosophies and the influence of Western modernity, expressing skepticism about the feasibility of integrating mystical insights into practical life." #vintage #books #hardcover #gift #philosophy