I'm truly honored to have Matthieu Ricard on Slo Mo for this incredible two-part episode. This is Part 1.There is a shroud of mystery surrounding the lives, intentions, struggles, and mindset of monks. What drives them to make such an apparently bold decision in the name of achieving true happiness? After speaking to Matthieu, it's clear that despite thinking the title of "World's Happiest Man" is nonsense, he exudes a joy, wisdom, and contentedness that speaks for itself. This conversation will refresh your priorities.Matthieu Ricard is an icon on the global stage and one of the most influential happiness champions alive today. Born in France in 1946 as the son of French philosopher Jean-François Revel and artist Yahne Le Toumelin, he is a Buddhist monk, author, translator, and photographer. He first visited India in 1967 where he met great spiritual masters from Tibet. After completing his Ph.D. degree in cell genetics in 1972, he moved to the Himalayan region where he has been living for the past 45 years.Listen as we discuss in Part 1:What it's like to be a monk in the spotlight after 25 years of isolationHis lovely 97 year-old mother who spontaneously singsThat Matthieu felt "ripe" to leave his science career behind to live with Tibetan mastersHaving no real happiness role models, despite growing up around successful peopleHis journey from becoming a monk to spending nearly 50 years in the HimalayasLiving in a cold 3 x 3 meter hermitage with no water or heat, yet loving itHow a book he wrote with his father led him on an unexpected path to stardomLiving "from one mountain pass to the other"The futility of depending on the outer condition for happiness  (this is pure wisdom)Pleasure vs. HappinessDo we need to go as far as being monks to experience happiness?Instagram: @mo_gawdatFacebook: @mo.gawdat.officialTwitter: @mgawdatLinkedIn: /in/mogawdatConnect with Matthieu Ricard on Facebook @matthieu.ricard.officiel, Twitter @matthieuricard, Instagram @matthieu_ricard, and his website matthieuricard.orgDon't forget to subscribe to Slo Mo for new episodes every Sunday and Thursday. Only with your help can we reach One Billion Happy #onebillionhappy