Book description
"A wise and wonderfully enjoyable book. Mark Lilla treats weighty matters with a light touch, in an elegant prose style that crackles with dry wit . . . Invigorating." -John Banville, The GuardianA dazzling exploration of our wish to remain innocent and ignorant-and its consequences. Aristotle claimed that "all human beings want to know." Our own experience proves that all human beings also want not to know. Today, centuries after the Enlightenment, mesmerized crowds still follow preposterous prophets, irrational rumors trigger fanatical acts, and magical thinking crowds out common sense and expertise. Why is this? Where does this will to ignorance come from, and how does it continue to shape our lives?In Ignorance and Bliss, the acclaimed essayist and historian of ideas Mark Lilla offers an absorbing psychological diagnosis of the human will not to know. With erudition and brio, Lilla ranges from the Book of Genesis and Plato's dialogues to Sufi parables and Sigmund Freud, revealing the paradoxes of hiding truth from ourselves. He also exposes the fantasies this impulse lead us to entertain-the illusion that the ecstasies of prophets, mystics, and holy fools offer access to esoteric truths; the illusion of children's lamb-like innocence; and the nostalgic illusion of recapturing the glories of vanished and allegedly purer civilizations. The result is a highly original meditation that invites readers to consider their own deep-seated impulses and taboos.We want to know, we want not to know. We accept truth, we resist truth. Back and forth the mind shuttles, playing badminton with itself. But it doesn't feel like a game. It feels as if our lives are at stake. And they are.
Hoover Spark
ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Despair
ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience.
Frosty Sunshine
This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
VisionVoyager
ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. Audiobook excellence simplified – this app's functionality is a true delight. With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic!
Sleek Assassin
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
NoiseCake
Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go – kudos to this app's functionality. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
CuriousCrafter
I'm hooked on this app – it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story! ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
CuriousCoder
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience.
Club Nola
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. I can't imagine my life without this app – it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine.
Prof. Screw
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind.
Daffy Neo
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable.
RedFisher
I appreciate the minimal ads – it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
WanderWord
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials.
Feline Devil
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
D-Hog-Day
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Sugar Hiccup
Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats – it truly supports all my audio needs. Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments.
Domino
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks.
InfinityInsight
This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Jigsaw
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities.
Metal Star
The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. 🚗📖 Road trips have never been this entertaining – this app keeps me engaged on the highway! 🚙🎉 The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience.
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