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.
Corny
With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am.
Guillotine Trigger
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly.
MythMaker
The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Palomino Cake
This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh.
Buckshot
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Solitaire
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed – it's my form of meditation. I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app.
Duke Electro
📱 An entire library at my fingertips – this app is a book lover's dream come true! 📚🌟 Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true winner. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless!
Acid Queen
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. Say goodbye to boring commutes – this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. 🌟📚 Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Stud Buster
No more straining my eyes to read – now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Rusty Vortex
With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education – it's brilliant! 💼 Enhancing work-from-home productivity – audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. 💻📖 🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚 ⭐️ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency – I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. 🎶📖
Sweet Manhattan
I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance – it's a must-have for any reader. 📱 Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go – this app is like a portable library in my pocket. 📚👜 The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive.
Clover Rabbit
ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a triumph.
Toe
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist!
Wild Hair
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. 💼 Workday blues? Not anymore – this app turns my office hours into reading time! 💻📖 Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. 🎉🎧 I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Miss Lucky
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. 📱📖 Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
Evil Smith
Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a perfect match. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits.
RoarSweetie
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time.
Zero Charisma
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking.
InfinityInsight
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. 🎧 Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app – pure listening pleasure! 📚🔥 Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now.
Hoboken Nightingale
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal – unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal library with me. Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked!
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