I’m Tony, the primary contributor to North by Seven. I have a zeal for life and I have a zeal for sharing life with others – and now that you’re here, that includes you.
I’ve grown up in a Christian home and books have been an essential part of my life from the beginning. Half of the time I got in trouble in grade school it was for reading while the teacher was talking. I’ve also developed the uncanny skill from a young age of being able to read while walking, without hitting trees or getting run over by a car; please read and walk responsibly, I do not endorse risky behaviour. Expect to hear about what I’m reading as you read these pages.
Growing up in a Christian community and going through secular schooling–alongside international travel–has taught me the value of being culturally aware and appreciating cultural diversity. When we spend all our time in one city and in one bubble in that city, we can start to think the entire world functions that way. Not so. Our experiences shape our interpretation of life, so I am constantly in pursuit of wider experience to interpret with more nuance. One of the most profound non-biblical quotes I’ve heard, and have since learned to live by, is that “an educated mind can understand a thought without having to accept it.” I pair this with the verse, “But examine all things; hold fast to what is good.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:21. If you pay attention to how I write, I hope that you’ll see this is woven into each bit of content.
This is also how I was raised to respect others. We can have different opinions and still get along. This world needs more of that and I intend to share that value with you. When I’m not nose-deep into a book or article, I’m most at home spending time with others and learning from them. Not just Christians of varying stripes, but Muslims, Hindus, New Age, Humanists, Atheists – I count friends of all ideologies, orientations, and worldviews. I repeat, we can have different opinions and still get along. That’s where life gets colorful. It’s best shared over a cup of coffee or tea.
I’ve been given much in this life, and as such, I feel compelled to give much back. It starts here, at North by Seven. Beyond these pages, I’m pursuing an education and career as a psychologist. Mental health is absolutely crucial to me, and the foundation to any pursuit we have in life. I am inspired to dedicate my life to service there. I love life, but this world can be such a messy and ugly place at times. There are countless ways to serve, and I’m here to give back right at the heart and mind.
If you haven’t yet, check out North by Seven’s Mission statement, and then spend some time exploring the site. Sign up by email (see form below) and follow the Facebook community page – that’s where we’ll get into the action of what this site is supposed to be all about. If you don’t do Facebook – get in touch with me through either my email or twitter accounts:
Email at tony@northbyseven.com
Twitter at @northbyseven