The author of the international bestseller "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.
Charlotte Mandell Book order (chronological)
What does it mean to be an American, and what can America be today? Celebrated philosopher and journalist Bernard-Henri Lévy spent a year traveling across the country, following in the footsteps of Alexis de Tocqueville, whose work remains the most influential book about America. The result is a fresh examination of a country we think we know. From Rikers Island to Chicago mega-churches, and from Muslim communities in Detroit to an Amish enclave in Iowa, Lévy delves into core issues of our democracy: the unique nature of American patriotism, the interplay of freedom and religion (including baseball), the prison system, the resurgence of ideology, and the state of our political institutions. He revisits Tocqueville’s key ideas, such as the dangers of “the tyranny of the majority,” while exploring mutual lessons between Europe and America. Through powerful interviews with a diverse range of Americans—from prison guards to clergymen, and from cultural icons to political figures—Lévy presents a rich tapestry of voices, revealing both the grandeur and harsh realities of American life. The book addresses critical choices America faces today and highlights its role as a place where inclusion is not just an ideal but a practice. In a time of anxiety about global perceptions, Lévy offers a sympathetic perspective to spark a new conversation about the essence of America.