On the Commerce of Thinking

This insightful exploration highlights the journey of writing, selling, and reading books, emphasizing their unique cultural significance in On the Commerce of Thinking.

In On the Commerce of Thinking, Jean-Luc Nancy delves into the intricate communication of thoughts that emerges through the processes of writing, producing, and selling books. His exploration begins with the personal connection to local bookstores, which he likens to 'perfumery, rotisserie, patisserie'—places that offer a sensory experience akin to discovering the unique fragrance of a book. This semiology of cultural practices highlights how the writer's voice is the starting point for a journey that culminates when a customer crosses the threshold of a bookstore, package in hand, ready to enjoy the comfort of home and the written word.

The narrative goes beyond mere analysis; it serves as a gentle yet compelling appeal for the preservation of this endangered practice. Nancy reflects on the historical figure of the book peddler, who once traversed streets adorned with books and pamphlets. He emphasizes the sensual nature of this commerce, suggesting that the act of buying and reading books creates an experience unlike any other—a journey that leads to the limitless dissemination of ideas.

Nancy argues that while the book is subject to commodification and fetishism, it retains a unique and intrinsic value. The reading experience transforms each book, allowing it to be both closed—representing the Idea—and open, inviting readers to engage with its content anew. In this way, On the Commerce of Thinking presents a thought-provoking examination of the relationship between books, commerce, and the transformative power of ideas.