There has been a discussion of the possibility of providing a study guide for YMOMTetragram for The Young Man and the Old Man [X]. The feedback that i, vic smyth, Read FAQ 'Why does vic smyth use all lowercase letters?' [X] received from readers when YMOM was first published online was that most enjoyed it as an uplifting, inspirational read. Yet one person told me that he read YMOM multiple times even taking notes to get all the spiritual truths out of it. Another person recently told me that a study guide would be helpful so that readers would not miss any of the spiritual wisdom in the story.

But i, vic smyth, am hesitant to provide a study guide for a number of reasons. Let me enumerate.

First off, i am humbled that anyone would think so highly of YMOM that they would want to study it.

Second, the shear amount of work involved in writing a study guide is daunting. Forty years ago when i wrote YMOM the words flowed effortlessly. Now writing a few paragraphs for a blog is a struggle.

Third, i keep thinking of how the Old Man reacted to the Young Man towards the end of the story when Young Man announced that he will teach everyone in the Land what the Old Man has taught him. Would the Old Man react the same way today to the idea of creating a study guide?

So one part of me wants to stay true to the philosophy that the Old Man espouses. Another part of me wants to do whatever is possible to help people grow spiritually.

So will there be a study guide? i will let you, the reader, decide. Contact us and let us know what you think.