Book description
A "fresh perspective" (Kirkus Reviews) on the psychology of zealotry, from a National Book Award winner and a leading authority on the nature of cults, political absolutism, and mind control In this unique and important volume Robert Jay Lifton, the National Book Award-winning psychiatrist, historian, and public intellectual, proposes a radical idea: that the psychological relationship between extremist political movements and fanatical religious cults may be much closer than anyone thought. Exploring the most extreme manifestations of human zealotry, Lifton highlights an array of leaders-from Mao to Hitler to the Japanese apocalyptic cult leader Shōkō Asahara to Donald Trump-who have sought the control of human minds and the ownership of reality. Lifton has been called "one of the world's foremost thinkers on why we humans do such awful things to each other" (Bill Moyers) and his pioneering concept of the "Eight Deadly Sins" of ideological totalism-originally devised to identify "brainwashing" (or "thought reform") in political movements-has been widely quoted in writings about cults and embraced by members and former members of religious cults seeking to understand their experiences. In Losing Reality Lifton makes clear that the apocalyptic impulse-that of destroying the world in order to remake it in purified form-is not limited to religious groups but is prominent in extremist political movements such as Nazism and Chinese Communism, and also in groups surrounding Donald Trump, showing how this destructive desire ultimately reached its apotheosis in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Lifton applies his concept of "malignant normality" to Trump's efforts to render his destructive falsehoods a routine part of American life. But Lifton nevertheless sees the human species as capable of "regaining reality" through our "protean" psychological capacities and our ability to serve as "witnessing professionals." Lifton weaves together some of his finest work with extensive new commentary to provide vital understanding of our struggle with mental predators. Losing Reality is a book not only of stunning scholarship, but also of increasing relevance for these troubled times.
Classy Dancer
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. Streamlining my audiobook journey – this app's design is top-notch. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story. 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.
Twiddle Twix
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book – brilliant! 🚶♀️🎧 Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks – pure bliss! 🏞️📚 ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. 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!
Tin Mutt
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Fennel Dove
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available – so much to learn! Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Emerald Goddess
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best.
High Deck
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Squatch
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. 🎉 Unveiling the joy of reading once again – this app is my gateway to literary wonders! 📚🔓 The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
RiddleRover
I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature.
Whipsaw
This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. ListenBook’s playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality.
Bae
I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app! 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.
Delirious Supernova
🎉 This app has turned my errands into exciting quests – I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! 🛒📖 ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use.
D-Hog-Day
🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨ The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! 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. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
StarStrider
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
White Swan
ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
Miss Rum Punch
I can't get enough of this app's versatile features – from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a winner. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
BuzzMouse
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of – now they're my favorites! Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily activities.
Sloth
I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Flint
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality – a journey into captivating worlds. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Venious
The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
Lunar Treat
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. 🎧 Making housework more enjoyable – audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. 🧹📚 ⏰ Maximizing my time with efficient features – this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. 📚⏳ Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. I’ve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers!
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