Altruism

The Power of Compassion to Change Yourself and the World

By: Matthieu Ricard

Narrated by: Dan Woren

Length: 29 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

The author of the international best seller Happiness makes a passionate case for altruism - and why we need it now more than ever.

In Happiness, Matthieu Ricard demonstrated that true happiness is not tied to fleeting moments or sensations, but is an enduring state of soul rooted in mindfulness and compassion for others. Now he turns his lens from the personal to the global, with a rousing argument that altruism - genuine concern for the well-being of others - could be the saving grace of the 21st century. It is, he believes, the vital thread that can answer the main challenges of our time: the economy in the short term, life satisfaction in the mid-term, and environment in the long term. Ricard's message has been taken up by major economists and thinkers, including Dennis Snower, Amartya Sen, Joseph Stiglitz, and George Soros.

Matthieu Ricard makes a robust and passionate case for cultivating altruistic love and compassion as the best means for simultaneously benefitting ourselves and our society. It's a fresh outlook on an ardent struggle - and one that just might make the world a better place.

©2015 Matthieu Ricard (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Who better to tell us about altruism than a Buddhist monk and scientist, who has meditated so extensively on compassion that it has changed the left side of his brain? In a lively and personal account, Ricard takes us through the origins of empathy and altruism, explaining how biology laid the foundation, whereas culture and spirituality permit us to expand its reach." (Frans de Waal, author of The Age of Empathy)

"Written with deep conviction and breathtaking scope, this is a must for anyone who wants to explore the human capacity for altruistic love and compassion, and the potential of this capacity to transform our lives. In conversation with Western philosophical and scientific perspectives, the book offers a Buddhist vision for extending altruism beyond its natural limits through carefully crafted meditation practices. The goal is, quite simply, to enable you and me, our society, and all sentient beings to experience less suffering and greater happiness. Could one desire more?" (Daniel Batson, author of Altruism in Humans)

"Matthieu Ricard brings together ancient wisdom and scientific insights to put forth a truly compelling global vision for the 21st century, and his voice, his message and his wisdom are greatly needed." (Arianna Huffington)

both deeply troubling and encouraging

After 5 years of research, the author has come up with a tour de force covering and connecting topics from the nature of good and bad to globalization and climate change, sometimes disturbing and forcing the listener to open his eyes, somtimes inspiring and giving hope. Jon Kabat-Zinn called it "simply one of the most important books of our time - maybe of all times". I could not agree more.

Too repetitive, couldn't make myself finish it

What would have made Altruism better?

More concise, less repetitive.

What was most disappointing about Matthieu Ricard’s story?

Too long, he keeps repeating the same points while giving anecdotal stories. I got really bored after only a few chapters (and kept hearing for a few more, hoping it would get better, but it doesn't).

What about Dan Woren’s performance did you like?

The reading itself was performed nicely

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I did love the idea and what it tries to prove.

Wonderful treasure trove!

Any additional comments?

This is a book I heartily recommend to all my friends. It is, however, too long, so I recommend they read the rough first 1/3, where Mathieu is at his peak of knowledge, in psychology and meditation. I am a little less impressed by his political insights (and he has a few contradictions), which is the bulk of the last 2/3. Not that I would say it's all bad by any means, but it can't measure up to the quality of the first 1/3.

But all in all: Read the first 1/3, which by itself would be a book worth 6 stars!

Excellent writing and intensive research

Very deep, well researched and intensive reading or listening. Surely life changing and opens up the mind towards a more altrustic nature.

Om mani pemey hum. This is love and wisdom at its finest!

Namaste and thank u Matthieu for this all encompassing book of true courage, love, compassion amd wisdom with practical means to execute. I pray and hope this becomes required reading at junior high level to allow these beautiful minds to be exposed to its grand and life lessons. With love, Manika

a pleasurable and enlightening work

I loved the full and uplifting work.
It's exploration into a sustainable philosophy of governance and life view is what I have long been looking for, and it has encouraged me to do , both more, studies and applications of this mentality.

inspiring from beginning to end.

Thoughtful and thorough presentation on the benefits of Altruism for the flourishing of the people and our planet. Incredibly well researched and fascinating from beginning to end.

Well being of others

Behavior that benefits others at a cost to oneself and a motivational state with the goal of increasing the welfare of all beings.

A must read for anyone concerned with the present situation of the world and our future.

A book that thoroughly analyzes ALL the complex components of our present reality and gives real doable sollutions for a better world. Worth reading by anyone concerned about our actual situation and our future. Highly recommended! I wish this was an assigned reading for all kids in highschool. Educating for altruism is educating for a better human kind.