I interview Maxim Smith, the 20-year-old author of The Preparation, a manual for turning boys into men, through character, virtue, skills, higher learning, hobbies and recreation. Maxim is half way through as the first to trial the the program, and already he's come a long way. Now his future looks bright - he's skilled, confident and has a good understanding of himself. A possible gap year, precursor or substitute for university, The Preparation is a program all parents of boys should consider.

(00:00) Introducing Maxim Smith

(01:59) A highly skilled 20-year-old

(04:49) What is The Preparation

(09:33) Building the modern Renaissance Man

(12:35) Be, do, have – the three most important words in any language

(13:42) A substitute for university?

(18:38) What does Maxim’s future look like after The Preparation?

(24:30) Fundamental differences between The Preparation and university

(30:46) Costs and benefits of university

(35:31) Role models and the patron-client relationship

(43:12) Plugging the book and how to contact Maxim

Get The Preparation book or find the program's Substack, or follow Maxim's progress as he continues through the program.