Book description
The New York Times bestselling coauthor of Sex at Dawn explores the ways in which "progress" has perverted the way we live--how we eat, learn, feel, mate, parent, communicate, work, and die--in this "engaging, extensively documented, well-organized, and thought-provoking" (Booklist) book. Most of us have instinctive evidence the world is ending--balmy December days, face-to-face conversation replaced with heads-to-screens zomboidism, a world at constant war, a political system in disarray. We hear some myths and lies so frequently that they feel like truths: Civilization is humankind's greatest accomplishment. Progress is undeniable. Count your blessings. You're lucky to be alive here and now. Well, maybe we are and maybe we aren't. Civilized to Death counters the idea that progress is inherently good, arguing that the "progress" defining our age is analogous to an advancing disease. Prehistoric life, of course, was not without serious dangers and disadvantages. Many babies died in infancy. A broken bone, infected wound, snakebite, or difficult pregnancy could be life-threatening. But ultimately, Christopher Ryan questions, were these pre-civilized dangers more murderous than modern scourges, such as car accidents, cancers, cardiovascular disease, and a technologically prolonged dying process? Civilized to Death "will make you see our so-called progress in a whole new light" (Book Riot) and adds to the timely conversation that "the way we have been living is no longer sustainable, at least as long as we want to the earth to outlive us" (Psychology Today). Ryan makes the claim that we should start looking backwards to find our way into a better future.
Mr. Spy
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks – it's truly invigorating. Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle – this app's design is a win. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Black Mustard
ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch.
Mallow Man
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Copilot
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Delirious Supernova
Audiobooks made accessible – this app's ease of use is a true blessing. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. 🌌🎧 Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Pepper Legs
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Swampmasher
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McDreamy
Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. 🎉📚 Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket.
Mud Finger
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights – I'm never without a good story. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true standout.
Overrun
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening.
Sky Bully
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly.
Mafia Rapunzel
The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Houston
This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. ⏰ Waking up to audiobooks – mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! ☀️🎧 Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true standout. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Jack Cassidy
I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. 🏃♀️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – audiobooks make my runs more exciting! 🏃♀️🎧 One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Troublemasher
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Marshmallow Treat
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments.
Goldman
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Sweetness
The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits – so cool! Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Stone Boomstick
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. 🎧 Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly – this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. 📚🌟 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Dangle
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. 🎧 My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. 📚🍳 Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a standout. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience