On the Commerce of Thinking

This book examines the communication of thoughts through the writing and selling of books, highlighting the unique experience it offers to readers.

In On the Commerce of Thinking, Jean-Luc Nancy explores the intricate communication of ideas that occurs through the processes of writing, producing, and selling books. He reflects on his relationship with bookstores, particularly his local one, likening them to places that offer a sensory experience akin to visiting a perfumery or patisserie. These establishments provide a unique atmosphere where the essence of a book can be sensed and appreciated, making the experience of selecting a book deeply personal and evocative.

The work serves as a semiology of the cultural practices surrounding literature, starting from the distinctive voice of the writer and culminating in the moment a customer leaves the store, book in hand, ready to immerse themselves in a new world. Nancy's narrative underscores the importance of this commerce, positioning it as a vital yet endangered aspect of contemporary culture. He vividly evokes the image of the book peddler from days gone by, emphasizing the sensuality and intimacy inherent in the act of buying and reading books.

Ultimately, On the Commerce of Thinking presents a nuanced argument about the unique value of books in a commodified world. While they may be subject to the dynamics of the exchange economy, each book possesses an intrinsic worth that transcends its material form. Nancy illustrates how the act of reading allows books to continuously evolve and transform, functioning as both an object of contemplation and a catalyst for the dissemination of ideas.