The Monk and the Philosopher: A Father and Son Discuss the Meaning of Life

Jean Francois-Revel, a pillar of French intellectual life in our time, became world famous for his challenges to both Communism and Christianity. Twenty-seven years ago, his son, Matthieu Ricard, gave up a promising career as a scientist to study Tibetan Buddhism -- not as a detached observer but by immersing himself in its practice under the guidance of its greatest living masters.

Meeting in an inn overlooking Katmandu, these two profoundly thoughtful men explored the questions that have occupied humankind throughout its history. Does life have meaning? What is consciousness? Is man free? What is the value of scientific and material progress? Why is there suffering, war, and hatred? Their conversation is not merely abstract: they ask each other questions about ethics, rights, and responsibilities, about knowledge and belief, and they discuss frankly the differences in the way each has tried to make sense of his life.

Utterly absorbing, inspiring, and accessible, this remarkable dialogue engages East with West, ideas with life, and science with the humanities, providing wisdom on how to enrich the way we live our lives.

• The Quantum and the Lotus: A Journey to the Frontiers Where Science and Buddhism Meet
• Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill
• The Art of Stillness: Adventures in Going Nowhere (TED Books)
• In Search of Wisdom: A Monk, a Philosopher, and a Psychiatrist on What Matters Most
• Beyond the Self: Conversations between Buddhism and Neuroscience (The MIT Press)
• Altruism: The Power of Compassion to Change Yourself and the World
• How to Meditate: A Practical Guide
• Why Meditate: Working with Thoughts and Emotions
• Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World
• A Concise Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism