You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist 146. Raising Young Renaissance Men: Maxim Smith on The Preparation, an Alternative to College
Many parents today are disillusioned with the options they see for their adolescents. College often appears to be little more than an expensive four-year summer camp that churns out indoctrinated radicals without any practical skills. But most job options available to uneducated young adults can rightly be considered “dead end.” So what can bright, intellectually driven and motivated young people do to cultivate character and marketable skills that will set them up for a lifetime of success and fulfillment?
Enter: The Preparation, an experimental four year program of self-development in which young men choose from a broad range of activities, occupations, and games designed to do just that. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Maxim Smith, an impressive and accomplished young man who is acting as a guinea pig for this program. Designed by Doug Casey in collaboration with Maxim’s father, Matthew, the Preparation is intended to be a replacement for the only three routes advertised to young men today - go to college, the military, or a dead-end job.
We delve into the shortcomings of traditional college education, discussing how many students find themselves in debt without the skills or job opportunities they anticipated. Maxim shares his journey of exploring alternative paths, emphasizing the importance of gaining practical skills and real-life experiences over the conventional college route.
We explore the concept of becoming a "Renaissance man" and how The Preparation encourages young men to develop a diverse skill set through hands-on activities, such as EMT training, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and even working as a wildland firefighter. Maxim highlights the value of adaptability, character, and social skills that come from engaging in various experiences, contrasting this with the often disconnected and theoretical nature of college education.
Throughout our conversation, we address critical questions: What skills will be valuable in an uncertain job market? How can young people channel their energy into meaningful pursuits? And what does it truly mean to prepare for the future in a rapidly changing world? Join us as we unpack these vital topics and consider a more holistic approach to education and personal development.
Maxim Smith is acting as a guinea pig for a program which is meant to prepare young men for the future. This program is designed to be a replacement for the only three routes advertised to young men today - go to college, the military, or a dead-end job.
All of these typical routes of life are designed to shape us into cogs for a wheel that doesn’t serve us. Wasted time, debt, lack of skills, and a soul crushing job define many who follow the traditional route.
This program, called “The Preparation”, is meant to guide young men on a path where they properly utilize their time to gain skills, build relationships, and reach a state of being truly educated. The Preparation is meant to set young men up for success.
https://www.thepreparation.com/
00:00 Start
[00:02:29] The Preparation program for young men.
[00:07:14] Alternative paths for young men.
[00:09:44] Holistic preparation and skill development.
[00:15:38] Blend of mental and physical skills.
[00:19:24] Uncertainty and skill development.
[00:24:28] Agility in skill development.
[00:29:14] College experience and identity crisis.
[00:32:00] Education system indoctrination issues.
[00:35:16] Middle school accusations of harassment.
[00:40:43] Educational systems and boys' energy.
[00:44:34] Physical activity and motivation.
[00:49:49] Skills for self-directed learning.
[00:54:38] Language acquisition as a skill.
[00:59:29] Wilderness skill schools recommendations.
[01:05:24] Female version of preparation.
[01:08:05] Book completion timeline.
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Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.
Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.
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