Book description
Nassim Nicholas Taleb's The Black Swan isn't just a book-it's a mental reset, and the audiobook format makes it feel like a conversation with a brilliantly infuriating friend who won't let you ignore how wrong you are. Taleb, a former trader turned philosopher of uncertainty, dismantles our cozy illusions about predicting the future. He argues that history isn't shaped by the predictable, but by rare, high-impact events we call "black swans"-like the rise of Google or 9/11-which we only understand after they happen, weaving tidy stories to pretend we saw them coming.
What makes the audio experience so powerful is Taleb's voice: sharp, irreverent, and brimming with the confidence of someone who's watched markets collapse and survived. You hear him chuckle at our tendency to overestimate knowledge ("We're all amateur historians of the future!"), and his storytelling-like the tale of the turkey that never imagined slaughter day-lands with visceral impact. The second edition's new essay, "On Robustness and Fragility," isn't just an add-on; it's a practical toolkit for thriving in chaos, delivered with his trademark blend of wit and rigor.
Taleb doesn't just explain why we miss black swans-we're wired to focus on the familiar, not the impossible. He exposes how we mistake noise for signal, how we reward those who narrate the past but ignore those who imagine the future. You'll realize your own life is full of these blind spots: the career shift you never planned, the pandemic that upended everything. The audiobook's pacing lets his ideas breathe, turning complex concepts like "narrative fallacy" into something you feel, not just read.
This isn't a textbook. It's a wake-up call disguised as a rant, delivered with the energy of a man who's seen too many "impossible" things happen. You won't just understand black swans-you'll start spotting them in your own world. And Taleb's final point? True wisdom isn't about predicting the future, but building systems that thrive when it surprises you. The audio version makes you feel like you're in the room with him, arguing over coffee, realizing how much you've been wrong all along. It's not just a great book-it's a necessary one.
Bliss
ποΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. πΆπ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
VisionVoyager
This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. ποΈ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt β what a game-changer! ππ π‘ Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks β this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. π±π ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible.
Spooky Electric
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable. Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy.
Light Despair
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨ Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing. 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.
Dark Matter
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. ππ Road trips have never been this entertaining β this app keeps me engaged on the highway! ππ Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day!
Lime
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way β through audiobooks! The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended!
Midnight Rambler
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!
Lumberyard
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! π±π 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! An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
SprkR
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. π Long road trips? No problem β this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ππ π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ± I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
CuriousCraft
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
Kamikaze Grandma
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. π± An entire library at my fingertips β this app is a book lover's dream come true! ππ ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
FRMhndshk
πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§ The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app.
Murmur
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education β it's brilliant! Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking.
New York Winder
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π
True Sweetness
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is a true gift. Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free.
Gothic Gucci
ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true.
Prone
Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Acid Gosling
is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories.
EchoExplorer
With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. πΌ Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! π»π
Gothic Slacker
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily activities. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly.
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