Book description
"A delightful and fascinating book filled with insight and wit, which will make you think twice and cheer up." -- Steven PinkerIn a bold and provocative interpretation of economic history, Matt Ridley, the New York Times-bestselling author of Genome and The Red Queen, makes the case for an economics of hope, arguing that the benefits of commerce, technology, innovation, and change--what Ridley calls cultural evolution--will inevitably increase human prosperity. Fans of the works of Jared Diamond (Guns, Germs, and Steel), Niall Ferguson (The Ascent of Money), and Thomas Friedman (The World Is Flat) will find much to ponder and enjoy in The Rational Optimist.For two hundred years the pessimists have dominated public discourse, insisting that things will soon be getting much worse. But in fact, life is getting better--and at an accelerating rate. Food availability, income, and life span are up; disease, child mortality, and violence are down all across the globe. Africa is following Asia out of poverty; the Internet, the mobile phone, and container shipping are enriching people's lives as never before.An astute, refreshing, and revelatory work that covers the entire sweep of human history--from the Stone Age to the Internet--The Rational Optimist will change your way of thinking about the world for the better.
Pepper Mouse
ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨
DreamWeaver
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. ποΈπ§ Packing for vacation just got better β this app is my getaway entertainment! π΄π ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Poppin Loot
π Rekindling my literary flame β this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. ππ I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Devil Chick
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go β kudos to this app's functionality. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Firecracker
With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. π±π§ The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
PP Dubs
This app is my travel companion β making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. βοΈ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures β this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! ππ§ πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Raid Bucker
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator.
General Broomdog
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. βοΈ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality β I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ππ§
Betty Cricket
This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. ποΈπ§ Packing for vacation just got better β this app is my getaway entertainment! π΄π
Jungle King
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. πΆ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! π΅π Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. ππ
CuriousCoder
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literary magic. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable. The app's performance is remarkable β it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Guillotine Trigger
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys.
Sugar Domino
With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move β it's like having a tutor by my side. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session.
Terror Master
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Blink
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout. Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is a marvel.
Patton Digger
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
EchoEnigma
π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³ ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers. The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features.
Charms
π Unlocking the door to imagination β this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ππ Audiobook multitasking made simple β this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone! ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Mechani-Man
ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Stealth
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator.
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