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.
NightDream
I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings.
WanderWord
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. 🌟 Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories – thank you, this app! 👚📖 The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files!
xSTORMx
No more carrying heavy books – this app has transformed my reading habits. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
Gothic Gucci
💡 This app's convenience is a blessing – I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! 📱👩🍳 ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. 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!
Steel Heart
This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. Audiobook journey simplified – this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer.
Microwave
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful.
Lady Katniss
This app has revolutionized my daily routine – I can't imagine life without it. ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling.
Good-lookin’
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. 🌟 Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app – it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! 📚🔥 Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle – this app's design is a win. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives.
Canary Apple Red
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
MuseMaster
🎶📚 Setting the mood with stories instead of songs – this app is my go-to playlist! 🎧🌟 🔥 Spicing up my routine with this app – it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! ✨📖 🎙️ The app's functionality is a true work of art – it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. 📚🎨 Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. 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!
Rook
I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Trash
The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session.
Dark Matter
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing – it's my relaxation therapy.
RealmRanger
Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable – this app's design is a triumph. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch.
Scrapper
🧘♂️ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks – mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. 🧘♂️🎧 The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace. 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.
East Army
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. Streamlining my audiobook journey – this app's design is top-notch.
Nightmare King
🔥 Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger – this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. 📱📖 ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Osprey
With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day.
Snowflake Pixie
I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized.
Ba1t
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic.
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