Book description
"A delightful compendium of the kind of facts you immediately want to share with anyone you encounter . . . . Simon Winchester has firmly earned his place in history . . . as a promulgator of knowledge of every variety, perhaps the last of the famous explorers who crisscrossed the now-vanished British Empire and reported what they found to an astonished world." -- New York TimesFrom the creation of the first encyclopedia to Wikipedia, from ancient museums to modern kindergarten classes--this is award winning writer Simon Winchester's brilliant and all-encompassing look at how humans acquire, retain, and pass on information and data, and how technology continues to change our lives and our minds.With the advent of the internet, any topic we want to know about is instantly available with the touch of a smartphone button. With so much knowledge at our fingertips, what is there left for our brains to do? At a time when we seem to be stripping all value from the idea of knowing things--no need for math, no need for map-reading, no need for memorization--are we risking our ability to think? As we empty our minds, will we one day be incapable of thoughtfulness? Addressing these questions, Simon Winchester explores how humans have attained, stored, and disseminated knowledge. Examining such disciplines as education, journalism, encyclopedia creation, museum curation, photography, and broadcasting, he looks at a whole range of knowledge diffusion--from the cuneiform writings of Babylon to the machine-made genius of artificial intelligence, by way of Gutenberg, Google, and Wikipedia to the huge Victorian assemblage of the Mundanaeum, the collection of everything ever known, currently stored in a damp basement in northern Belgium. Studded with strange and fascinating details, Knowing What We Know is a deep dive into learning and the human mind. Throughout this fascinating tour, Winchester forces us to ponder what rational humans are becoming. What good is all this knowledge if it leads to lack of thought? What is information without wisdom? Does Rene Descartes's Cogito, ergo sum--"I think therefore I am," the foundation for human knowledge widely accepted since the Enlightenment--still hold? And what will the world be like if no one in it is wise?
Cardinal Rebel
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
CuriousCoder
This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. ππ Turn traffic into a literary escape β this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. ππ§ ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient!
DriftDetector
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. 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.
Mother Night
With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Acid Queen
ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Congo Wire
The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is truly remarkable. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist!
Rusty Vortex
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. π Unlocking the door to imagination β this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ππ The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Spitfire
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal library with me. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Treasure Devil
Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is remarkable. Savoring audiobooks without fuss β this app's design is impressive.
Lewd Dice
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a true winner. Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. ππ§ Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer.
Winded On Friday
With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. ListenBookβs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
WonderWords
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. βοΈ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality β I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ππ§ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends.
Dez Bonbon
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best!
Twinkle
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively.
180
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. πΆββοΈπ Walking my way through exciting narratives β this app makes exercise more fun! ποΈπ§ π‘ Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine β this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. π±π Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's design is a reader's dream. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening.
Curio
π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly.
Wiccan Thunder
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon.
Divine Quasar
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way β through audiobooks! No more carrying heavy books β this app has transformed my reading habits. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app! This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Dancing Madman
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. I can't stop raving about this app β it's like having a personal library in my pocket. πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app!
Kevlar Wanted
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is a marvel.
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