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.
MysticMingle
The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Most Wanted
I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. π±π§ Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator.
DARK HQ
ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats. I appreciate the dark mode option. Itβs easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
Yellow Menace
π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream β simple and efficient. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail.
Lady In Red
Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
Drop Stone
This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze.
Babe
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition β I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off!
ThoughtTrailblazer
ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze.
RealmRanger
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
Pogue
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a true winner. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Sun Leo
This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. πͺ Crushing workouts while devouring books β this app makes fitness fun and educational! ποΈββοΈπ Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is truly remarkable. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app!
WanderWord
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking. ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Gentle Avenger
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations β it's like the app knows me! ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. Audiobooks made accessible β this app's ease of use is a true blessing. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a true gem.
NexusNinja
I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks! The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Ember Master
The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration β it's like flipping through pages. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Foot-long Fry
No more straining my eyes to read β now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Guncap Slingbad
This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers β it's my go-to source for literary adventures! This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! ππ± ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration.
Red Woman
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Valley Guardian
π‘ Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house β it's like having a helper! π π The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Silver Rose
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way.
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