The Monk and the Philosopher: East meets west in a father-son dialogue

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Revel, an agnostic, noted for his tough inquiring mind, raised Ricard to be familiar with all of Western philosophy. Ricard then went on to win high honours for his Ph.D. in molecular genetics, working with a Nobel laureate at the Institute Pasteur. Unsatisfied, he left his high-flying academic career to study Tibetan Buddhism in India. Twenty-five years later, now a monk, Ricard returns to discuss all the great questions (the meaning of life, death, suffering) with his philosopher father. The resulting conversation is brilliant, accessible and the most eloquent meeting yet of Eastern & Western thought.

Jean Francois Revel, a member of the Academie Francaise, was born in 1924. A well-known agnostic thinker Jean-Francois studied and taught philosophy before concentrating on his writing. He was editor of the influential political weekly 'L'Express' and is now an established political commentator in France. Jean Francois Revel, a member of the Academie Francaise, was born in 1924. A well-known agnostic thinker Jean-Francois studied and taught philosophy before concentrating on his writing. He was editor of the influential political weekly 'L'Express' and is now an established political commentator in France.

'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