Tony's Top Reads - June 2025
- Tony Parr
- Jun 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 3
READS
I dislike the way electronic devices have taken over our lives and captured more of our attention than they deserve. At what cost? This thought-provoking article explores how our addiction to constant stimulation may be eroding imagination, creativity, and quiet reflection. It serves as a good reminder that boredom might be exactly what we need!
Longevity isn’t luck—it’s habits (and maybe a little luck). From deep sleep to purpose-driven living, this roundup hits the high points of what science (and centenarians) already know. Simple, powerful, and easy to act on.
Jonathan Clements is one of my favorite financial authors/ journalists. His life is being cut short and I just thought this was a great perspective. We could all use more of it. There’s
nothing like the end of life to bring things into focus.
Victor Davis Hanson takes an interesting angle on the U.S.—China trade war—one not often found in mainstream coverage. I don’t share this to generate controversy—
I share it because I believe hearing diverse, well-reasoned viewpoints is important.
This article spoke to me. It’s not just good manners—holding the door can reveal deeper traits about who we are. This article unpacks the psychology behind small, everyday gestures and what they say about empathy, awareness, and character. Generosity, it turns out, leaves a trail.
VIDEOS
“We all steal as much as we can to maintain our self-image.” With that provocative statement, New York Times columnist David Brooks challenges us to think differently about
integrity and identity. In this short video, he outlines five key commitments that help us cultivate character—and pursue what he calls “the highest life possible.” A meaningful watch
for anyone striving to live with greater purpose.
I love this TED Talk by master storyteller Matthew Dicks. He explains how capturing just one small story each day can bring unexpected richness to ordinary moments. It’s a powerful tool for noticing more, remembering more, and connecting the dots across life in ways that matter.
PODCASTS
Time could be your most valuable asset—and most of us spend it poorly. This podcast distills big ideas from Dan Martell’s bestselling book into one actionable listen that
is 35 minutes well spent.
These three episodes really resonated—they were healing and reminded me to slow down. I often listen to Rick Warren and appreciate how spiritual themes, across all faiths, encourage balance, reflection, and a gentler pace—without being “faith in your face.”
Why do we bend the truth—even when it hurts us? Behavioral economist Dan Ariely dives deep into the science of dishonesty, revealing why transparency is harder (and more human) than we think.
Quotes to ponder:
“Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets.” ~Leonardo da Vinci
“Every expert was once a beginner who stayed curious.” ~unknown
“The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
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