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.
Bearded Angler
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature!
QuestQuill
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences.
Snapdragon
The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. 🔥 Spicing up my routine with this app – it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! ✨📖 CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently.
Scratch
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. 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!
Coma Stalk
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. 📱 Carrying stories wherever I go – this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. 📚🛍️ Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition! The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Dream Killer
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. No more fussing with synchronization – this app just gets it done! My house has never been cleaner! I kept finding chores to do just to keep listening. The narrator's energy matched the tone of the book perfectly.
Wanted Candy
🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗 The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Chew Chew
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Baked ZD
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories.
Apex
I'm hooked on this app – it's like Netflix for book lovers! The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient – no more complicated processes. I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
Mr. Lucky
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is remarkable. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling.
Potato Sub
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
Spontan8ty
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking.
Serendipity
Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. 📱🔊 The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Indestructible Potato
This audiobook app is a true gem – it brings stories to life with every click. ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
SneakerKid
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days.
Wrangler Jim
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true – no more hassles! The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app!
Cupid Dust
📱 An entire library at my fingertips – this app is a book lover's dream come true! 📚🌟 ListenBook is packed with useful features. It’s the best audiobook app I’ve used.
Moon Laser
⏰ Starting my mornings with inspiration – audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! ☀️🎧 The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze.
Dark Matter
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising – thanks to this app! I can't imagine my life without this app – it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. 📱🎧 This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. 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