Matthieu Ricard is a French Buddhist monk, author, and photographer, known for his work in promoting compassion and mindfulness. Born in 1946, he earned a Ph.D. in cellular genetics before dedicating his life to Buddhism. He has spent many years studying and practicing in the Himalayan region, particularly in Tibet. Ricard is often referred to as the "happiest man in the world" due to his research on happiness and well-being. He has collaborated with scientists to explore the effects of meditation on the brain and has written several books, including Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill.