Book description
Ian Buruma explores the life and death of Baruch Spinoza, the Enlightenment thinker whose belief in freedom of thought and speech resonates in our own time A New Yorker “Best Book of 2024” Selection “An elegant, relevant biography of a vital thinker.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Baruch (Benedictus) Spinoza (1632–1677) was a radical free thinker who led a life guided by strong moral principles despite his disbelief in an all-seeing God. Seen by many—Christians as well as Jews—as Satan’s disciple during his lifetime, Spinoza has been regarded as a secular saint since his death. Many contradictory beliefs have been attached to his name: rationalism or metaphysics, atheism or pantheism, liberalism or despotism, Jewishness or anti-Semitism. However, there is no question that he viewed freedom of thought and speech as essential to an open and free society. In this insightful account, the award-winning author Ian Buruma stresses the importance of the time and place that shaped Spinoza, beginning with the Sephardim of Amsterdam and followed by the politics of the Dutch Republic. Though Spinoza rejected the basic assumptions of his family’s faith, and was consequently expelled from his Sephardic community, Buruma argues that Spinoza did indeed lead a Jewish life: a modern Jewish life. To Heine, Hess, Marx, Freud, and no doubt many others today, Spinoza exemplified how to be Jewish without believing in Judaism. His defense of universal freedom is as important for our own time as it was in his.
Cosmo
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion.
Crumb Cake
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours. 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.
Unseen
I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. 🏝️ Basking in the sun with an audiobook – relaxation meets storytelling paradise! ☀️📖 Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚 Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience.
Scratch
With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move – it's like having a tutor by my side. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. 📚👌 Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback.
Queen Ginger
ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it! I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Alley Cat
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Mammoth 2
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Savoring audiobooks without fuss – this app's design is impressive. No need to convert files anymore – ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. 📱📖
3D Waffle
I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips.
Twitch
I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings.
Beo
Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears.
Aqua Diva
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection – there's always something new to discover. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. The interface is sleek and modern. It’s a joy to use.
MythMaker
Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a winner. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Insane SweepKick
The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Jade Fox
ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool.
Cougar Fuzz
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Petite Flurry
I appreciate the minimal ads – it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. 🚶♂️🌟 Staying entertained during leisurely walks – audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! 🚶♂️🎧
Screwtape
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. Effortlessly switching between stories – this app's ease of use is impressive.
WittyWordsmith
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. 🎧 Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly – this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. 📚🌟 This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊 ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments.
Dark Matter
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities.
Sugar Hiccup
🔥 Elevating my reading routine to new heights – this app is a real page-turner! 📚🚀 📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧 Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
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