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.

‘The book skilfully educates readers who might be new to both eastern and western philosophy 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

Jean-Francois Revel is one of the leading modern philosophers with books such as Without Marx or Jesus, among others, to his credit. Matthieu Ricard is a monk in the Tibetan tradition and author of Journey to Enlightenment and Life of Shakbar.