Book description
A Next Big Idea Club Must Read of February 2025From the author of The Social Leap comes this thought-provoking exploration into humans’ two core evolutionary needs, for connection and autonomy, how the modern world has thrown them out of whack, and how we can rebalance them to improve our lives.Why do people who have so much—leading comfortable lives filled with unprecedented freedom, choice, and abundance—often feel so unhappy and unfulfilled? This phenomenon is a defining paradox of our time and one we endlessly seek to solve. In The Social Paradox, psychologist William von Hippel argues that we need to think about this problem in a new way. By changing our perspective, we might finally see the solution, bringing us greater happiness and more satisfying relationships.The key is to understand the interplay between our two most basic psychological needs—for connection and autonomy. Evolution made us dependent on one another for survival, instilling in us a strong need to connect. It also made us seek autonomy, so our ancestors could distinguish themselves within their groups, improving their chances to procreate and gain status.These two opposing needs are our most fundamental psychological drivers, and while our lives once ensured a happy balance between them, the opportunities of today’s world have thrown it out of whack. As von Hippel explains, our modern world no longer demands connection but it provides endless opportunity for autonomy; this lopsidedness lies at the root of many of our most intractable problems. Recognizing this imbalance and working to counter it can drastically change how we make decisions, spend our time, and find happiness.The Social Paradox invites us to examine the fundamental building blocks of life and society—politics, religion, urban living, marriage—in a brand-new way. Once we understand the evolutionary forces driving us, we can begin to see how to counteract the emptiness and loneliness of contemporary life.
Gumby Train
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect.
Y0dler
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Mr. Wholesome
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. 🚗📖 Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks – driving has never been this fun! 🚗🎧 Simplifying audiobook adventures – this app's ease of use is a delight. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Toolmaker
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
Atlantic Rim
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content.
Solo Kill
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights – it's a true audio marvel. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. 🌟 Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? 🚗📖
Opulent Gamer
I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy.
Prof. Screw
💡 Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks – this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. 📱📖 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Armed Hawk
The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Jungle King
Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚
QuestWeaver
The family subscription option is a money-saver – everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Gentle Avenger
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. 🌟 Embracing reading in the busiest of times – this app is my everyday escape! 📚🏃♀️ 🌌 Elevating my reading routine – this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. 📚🔑
Bootleg Taximan
User-friendly audiobook experience – this app's design is a standout. ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
QuestQuill
ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. Streamlining my audiobook journey – this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable.
NemesisX
🎶📚 Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling – audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. 🎧🏠 Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
Back Bett
I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Biscuit Meg
This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Dahlia
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! Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. I’ll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Mafia Rapunzel
Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries.
Mad Robin
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
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