An independent, self-sufficient, harmoniously developed personality of a citizen is the basis for the prosperity of the state, says Anatoly Ermolin, one of the leaders of the youth movement “New Civilization” and the boarding school “Podmoskovny” founded by Mikhail Khodorkovsky. But how to raise such a person? What and how to teach children and youth? The author of the book shares with readers the unique experience of his educational work and analyzes the pros and cons of Russian and world pedagogy. In the methodological section of the book, Anatoly Ermolin gives teachers and parents practical recommendations on raising a free personality in modern Russian conditions.