Overview

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.

Full Product Details

9780722536506

Table of Contents

Reviews

'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

'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

'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

"'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"

An agnostic philosopher and his son, a molecular geneticist turned Buddhist monk, get together in the snow-capped Nepalese mountains where they discuss their backgrounds, religious and secular spirituality, the origins of violence, faith, ritual and superstition, the supremacy of the individual, what brought them to their belief and many other issues. Their frankness makes this an appealing and thought-provoking book. (Kirkus UK)

Author Information

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.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available