Sword&Spade The Case for Reading in an Age of Noise w/ John Clarke
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Mar 12, 2026 
John Clarke, founder of Cluny Media who republishes thoughtful Christian and literary works, argues for reading as a trainable discipline like athleticism. He discusses why books shape imagination differently than screens. He explains reading rituals for families, curating children’s books, and why men need guides and conversation to make reading a lasting habit.
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Dan Brown Sparked A Late Reading Habit
- Jason started serious reading late because he couldn't afford TV in school and picked up a Dan Brown thriller.
- That Dan Brown novel unexpectedly introduced him to aspects of Catholicism and kickstarted his reading habit.
Dyslexia Made Reading A Household Effort
- Jason has five dyslexic sons, making reading a long, grueling process at home.
- He still insists reading is worth the effort and compares historical monastic literacy as a model of disciplined formation.
You Are Formed By Consumption Not Self Authorship
- People are formed by what they consume and often mistake self-authorship for thoughtful formation.
- Jason emphasizes modern delusion: we think we've thought through our beliefs, while in truth upbringing and media form us.
