Matthieu Ricard: How to let altruism be your guide

What is altruism? Put simply, it's the wish that other people may be happy. And, says Matthieu Ricard, a happiness researcher and a Buddhist monk, altruism is also a great lens for making decisions, both for the short and long term, in work and in life.

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[rizqyaqilherlindra]

Hi people of youtube, I am usually an introverted self-centered person who keeps everything to themselves. I rarely speak my thoughts because I am scared. Even commenting on a platform is really challenging for me. I am afraid of people, afraid of attention and conflicts, . I don't know why I am like this but this is the way I am. People question my toughts and actions many times, but I put up a front and justify my actions. but behind the facade is me always questioning my actions and toughts too. I feel like there are two entities in my head that is constantly arguing with each other. I want to stop holding myself back and overload my brain with things that I keep to myself.


This is the first time that I speak my mind and even though this is in a youtube comment section, I feel like this is a step towards the right direction. Thanks for reading this, I wish you all have a wonderful day where ever you may be <3.

[tsewangbetter]

I literally cry every time I listen to you. You opened the school for underprivileged kids in Nepal with total 25000 kids? you truly is great teacher and following the path of his holiness Dalai Lama teaching. World need more like you! Thank you for your hard work and dedication towards altruism and inspire us to be better human in every aspect of life.

[devoncruz]

The comments sections... lol 

The point isn't to create a perfect world. The point is to be selfless and enjoy life on life's terms. TO do the most goo possible and to enjoy knowing that you tried. Its not about abandoning the world and giving up your life. Its just about being conscious of your actions and how they affect others on an individuals basis, and hoping that others will follow. 

[thabarnstormer]

If you're reading these comments I hope you have a great day. You're looking lovely by the way

[norton]

Always a pleasure to hear from this 'most altruistic' monk - aka molecular physicist. If you haven't read his "Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill" do so. It is a joy. His sense of humour is wonderful, as demonstrated in this TED Talk.

[malikjones]

By embracing our fears and stopping the doubt and indifference to things, we tell ourselves that we CAN, to inspire others to do the same

[crawcrawchronicles]

What a very holistic solution.. but an underrated video. Excellent talk!

[tbayley]

I like the point about how cooperation is the major factor in the evolution of complexity. Cells work together to form an organism, organisms work together to form a colony or group, individuals often sacrifice themselves for the whole. Of course we can say it is automatic or unconscious. But humans form part of a greater whole too, and our altruism or unselfishness is also automatic, as was suggested by the talk. *If we let it be so*. The problem is that we don't let it be. Instead we obsess on our 'self', which gives us a substitute sense of purpose, full of self-conscious confusion that we are constantly having to 'manage'. This is what is causing all the mayhem in the world. In the words of a popular song 'Let it go!'

[Sergiosimpson]

So many wise words. This is why I admire these Tibetan monks.

[bounceday]

Such a Great thinker, such a simple message .

[Veronica-nxss]

This is not a vision, but a challenge. Yes the world is selfish but not hopeless, we can change it together. Love anything that focuses on growing acceptance among children, they will change our world. We need to do good to make good...Challenge accepted :) Love how open monks are to scientific research nothing but respect and admiration, I do yoga but will add in mindful meditation.

[tracemoriarty]

Wow! About 13 minutes into this, he really blows my mind wide open!!!

[Morphick]

Let us bring more meditation to pre-schools! To change society, change the individual, by changing the education of our youth.

[branbazyk]

Such a sweet presense, mind, and spirit!! He manges to portray very complex issues in a simple and inspiring way. Hopefully soon we would not say the banality of goodness, but rather the banality of violence, hatred, opression, and selfishness. May altruism steadily make its way into our everyday lives!!

[light_of_generosity]

The Spirit of Giving tranforms the world for the better. May Light shine where darkness once was. May every hungry stomach be filled with food. Love is Healing. Love is Life.

[swapnil]

Bravo! Such clarity of mind and soul. You have left and indelible impression on my consciousness. Altruism it is.

[JacobFrame]

 Noticing a lot of hate on altruism, this lack of optimism is the problem. Look outside of your normal groups and make friends with others, it makes a big difference, and then you will notice that altruism is around and it could be even more powerful if more people implemented it. [Puts on monk robe]

[charleskoenjgsart]

Once you think that is impossible and the door is closed . Once you think the people are selfish and hopeless and the door is closed . The door that your light of love to others is closed, because you are the same as you think about others .

Altruistic love doesn't mean self-sacrifice or self-harm or living for others and losing self caring etc... any kind of thought from whom doesn't really know about it .

Altruistic love is about considerations and self improvement and self love, because who do altruistic love to others know about the cause and effect, the causality about what is the true and basic parts of the world is love, kindness and respect and cycling .

When you are helping others, you are not gaining money or any substances, but more than that, the happiness and warmness and respect . The world is not selfish but excessive desires about what will return to him in material ways, and he doesn't want to take a risk to let go the past and what is in the future in his thinking .

People are just needed love from others, like mom and dad and friends and even strangers by helping and caring each others.

[nickjoeb]

This is the goal to move away from survival of the fittest and to move to survival of the group. Survival of the fittest is referenced and ingrained in so many people now they believe it is inescapable. The fact is we can and do produce enough food to feed everyone on this earth it's very doable but we choose not to. The reason we don't is because the people making food don't want to lose their profit their luxury their way of life. I'm not talking the one farmer I'm talking about the large food producing companies. 

[alexandrarencoret]

He is great, there should be more people like him!!!