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The End of Men?
What makes a good man?
In this grounded, forthright and hopeful book, Simon Smart reconsiders the place of boys and men in today's world.
Models of masculinity may be less constricting than they used to be – but boys and men are confused about what’s expected of them, and it shows. In education, in mental health, in relationships, they’re struggling. And we’re all struggling to have a constructive conversation about the challenges they face.
Drawing on his own experiences of schooling and fatherhood, the best contemporary research, interviews with those on the front lines of a growing crisis, as well as ancient wisdom, Simon asks the question: how can we help boys become their best selves, and a gift to those around them?
In this grounded, forthright and hopeful book, Simon Smart reconsiders the place of boys and men in today's world.
Models of masculinity may be less constricting than they used to be – but boys and men are confused about what’s expected of them, and it shows. In education, in mental health, in relationships, they’re struggling. And we’re all struggling to have a constructive conversation about the challenges they face.
Drawing on his own experiences of schooling and fatherhood, the best contemporary research, interviews with those on the front lines of a growing crisis, as well as ancient wisdom, Simon asks the question: how can we help boys become their best selves, and a gift to those around them?
136 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2024
3 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 15, 2024
Simon Smart wades into a complex, sensitive and controversial topic in this book - masculinity. Thankfully, Simon's engagement with it is nuanced and thoughtful. The book canvasses a range of literature on culture and masculinity, drawing key insights from psychologists and spiritual leaders. It also explores how Christian teaching could offer a way forward for men, without being too 'on the nose'.
Overall, I would highly recommend it as a concise and informative engagement with the topic from a Christian perspective. It's also the kind of book that could be used as a winsome outreach tool for our deeply divided society.
Overall, I would highly recommend it as a concise and informative engagement with the topic from a Christian perspective. It's also the kind of book that could be used as a winsome outreach tool for our deeply divided society.
October 23, 2024
An insightful look at masculinity in the 21st century.
There is so much more to being masculine than being macho. If we broaden the lens and consider the whole picture we may just discover the place true strength is found.
There is so much more to being masculine than being macho. If we broaden the lens and consider the whole picture we may just discover the place true strength is found.
March 23, 2026
Book review of The End of Men? by Simon Smart
In The End of Men?, published by Acorn Press in July 2024, Simon Smart (Executive Director of the Centre for Public Christianity) tackles one of the most pressing cultural conversations of our time: What does it genuinely mean to be a man in the 21st century?
At just under 80 pages, this slim volume is part of the Re:CONSIDERING series and combines personal reflection, contemporary research, and cultural observation into an accessible narrative. Smart draws on his own experiences of schooling and fatherhood, as well as interviews and broader social trends, to paint a picture of the “modern male dilemma”; a landscape in which traditional models of masculinity, once clearly defined, now seem unsettled or contested.
🔍 What Works Well
Smart’s conversational voice and clarity are clear strengths. He sidesteps academic jargon, making the book approachable for a broad audience. Many readers will appreciate his synthesis of insights from various thinkers and his willingness to embrace “ancient wisdom” alongside modern psychological and sociological perspectives. The book also stands out for not merely diagnosing problems but offering thoughtful prescriptions. There are ideas about mentorship, rites of passage, and the cultivation of emotional intelligence that resonate with many seeking practical pathways forward.
📉 Critical Considerations
There are, however, limitations worth noting. The brevity of the book means some themes feel only lightly sketched; there’s less depth than you might expect, given the complexity of topics like identity, culture, and gender norms. Some readers may also find that the book leans toward familiar territory rather than breaking bold new ground; offering valuable synthesis but less in the way of novel frameworks or empirical depth. Additionally, the emphasis on certain traditional perspectives might leave those seeking a more intersectional or pluralistic approach wanting more.
⭐ Overall Assessment
The End of Men? is a thoughtful, hopeful contribution to a conversation that too often defaults to polarisation and caricature. It’s not a comprehensive academic treatise, but it doesn’t aim to be one. Instead, it functions as an invitation to reflect, discuss, and act. For leaders, parents, educators, and anyone interested in the well-being of boys and men today, Smart’s book offers both a stimulus for reflection and a springboard for richer dialogue.
Whether you agree with every conclusion or not, this is a book that deserves to be part of the ongoing conversation about masculinity, purpose, and social expectations in our time.
In The End of Men?, published by Acorn Press in July 2024, Simon Smart (Executive Director of the Centre for Public Christianity) tackles one of the most pressing cultural conversations of our time: What does it genuinely mean to be a man in the 21st century?
At just under 80 pages, this slim volume is part of the Re:CONSIDERING series and combines personal reflection, contemporary research, and cultural observation into an accessible narrative. Smart draws on his own experiences of schooling and fatherhood, as well as interviews and broader social trends, to paint a picture of the “modern male dilemma”; a landscape in which traditional models of masculinity, once clearly defined, now seem unsettled or contested.
🔍 What Works Well
Smart’s conversational voice and clarity are clear strengths. He sidesteps academic jargon, making the book approachable for a broad audience. Many readers will appreciate his synthesis of insights from various thinkers and his willingness to embrace “ancient wisdom” alongside modern psychological and sociological perspectives. The book also stands out for not merely diagnosing problems but offering thoughtful prescriptions. There are ideas about mentorship, rites of passage, and the cultivation of emotional intelligence that resonate with many seeking practical pathways forward.
📉 Critical Considerations
There are, however, limitations worth noting. The brevity of the book means some themes feel only lightly sketched; there’s less depth than you might expect, given the complexity of topics like identity, culture, and gender norms. Some readers may also find that the book leans toward familiar territory rather than breaking bold new ground; offering valuable synthesis but less in the way of novel frameworks or empirical depth. Additionally, the emphasis on certain traditional perspectives might leave those seeking a more intersectional or pluralistic approach wanting more.
⭐ Overall Assessment
The End of Men? is a thoughtful, hopeful contribution to a conversation that too often defaults to polarisation and caricature. It’s not a comprehensive academic treatise, but it doesn’t aim to be one. Instead, it functions as an invitation to reflect, discuss, and act. For leaders, parents, educators, and anyone interested in the well-being of boys and men today, Smart’s book offers both a stimulus for reflection and a springboard for richer dialogue.
Whether you agree with every conclusion or not, this is a book that deserves to be part of the ongoing conversation about masculinity, purpose, and social expectations in our time.
August 23, 2024
A warm hearted, honest, and hopeful discussion about masculinity. Not a book interested in stoking any moral panic, as appears the sport of many progressive and conservative commentators in regards to modern manhood. Instead, like an engaging guide, Smart takes us on a tour of masculinity as if it were a city in part ruin and rubble, but at its heart vast and beautiful, and with exponential potential. A hugely insightful and practical read for anyone wanting to be or steward men who are honourable, courageous, emotionally mature, curious, and compassionate, and thriving in wholesome reciprocal relationships with family, friends, community, and the wider world.
I look forward to recommending this book widely.
I look forward to recommending this book widely.
March 11, 2025
I'm not gonna lie.. when simon said he was writing this book, at first, i was sceptical. like, isn't there enough male centred content out there?
but it was so well constructed and thought out ive been convinced. a really beautiful argument with God at the centre
but it was so well constructed and thought out ive been convinced. a really beautiful argument with God at the centre
October 6, 2024
This book explores the models of masculinity of the past and present with hope for the future. How is a bloke supposed to feel and act in this modern world? Smart assesses the emerging ideas and sifts for nuggets in the dross. Too often we throw the baby out with the bathwater. Jesus embodied how men are to live, and he remains our best hope for a positive masculinity. I enjoyed reading Smart's journey of thinking through this important issue.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews