The most groundbreaking meeting of Eastern philosophy and Western culture to date.

Two men, father and son, each brilliant in different ways, meet in Nepal to discuss the most fundamental questions of human existence, such as: Does life have meaning? What is consciousness? Is man free? The resulting conversation is inspiring, accessible and the most lucid and eloquent meeting of Eastern and Western thought to date. Their vital and practical answers offer revolutionary approaches to how we can enrich the way we live our lives.

“'The Monk and the Philosopher' is an intellectual banquet – an enlightening and lively encounter that explores mankind’s most profound questions.”
DANIEL GOLEMAN, author of 'Emotional Inteelligence'

“The book skilfully educates readers who might be new to both Eastern and Western philosphy without alienating those already familiar with either strand. Neatly weaving in details of the father-son relationship, and why and how Matthieu turned to Buddhism, the discussion follows a logical and seamless line through every philosophical and metaphysical aspect of life… A wonderful book.”
TIME OUT

“ A serious and stimulating book handling some very abstract matter with sympathy and vigour.”
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

The most groundbreaking meeting of Eastern philosophy and Western culture to date.

In this father-son dialgue, Revel and Ricard explore the most fundamental questions of human existence and the ways in which they are embraced by Eastern and Western thought. In this meeting of the minds, they touch upon philosophy, spirituality, science, politics, psychology and ethics. They raise the enduring questions: does life have meaning? Why is there suffering, war and hatred? Revel’s perspective as an internationally renowned philosopher and Ricard’s as a distinguished molecular-geneticist-turned-Buddhist-monk results in a brilliant, accessible and accessible conversation–the most eloquent meeting yet of Eastern & Western thought.