Knowledge is and will be produced in order to be sold, it is and will be consumed in order to be valorised in a new production: in both cases, the goal is exchange.

The quote “Knowledge is and will be produced in order to be sold, it is and will be consumed in order to be valorised in a new production: in both cases, the goal is exchange.” is attributed to Jean-François Lyotard, the French philosopher best known for his work The Postmodern Condition (1979). At its core, the statement critiques the transformation of knowledge in the modern era, where it is no longer valued primarily for truth or enlightenment, but as a commodity to be bought, sold, and circulated within systems of exchange.

The origin of this idea lies in Lyotard’s analysis of postmodern society, particularly how science, education, and knowledge production are shaped by capitalism and technological change. In The Postmodern Condition, he argued that in an age dominated by information technology, knowledge had become a form of capital, valued for its economic utility rather than for its intrinsic meaning. This marked a shift from earlier traditions where knowledge was tied to philosophy, morality, or culture, to a system where knowledge is governed by profit and efficiency.

The meaning of the quote underscores that in contemporary systems, knowledge is treated much like any other commodity. It is produced for sale, packaged as degrees, patents, or research outputs, and then consumed to generate new forms of production or innovation. The cycle is driven by exchange value rather than truth, wisdom, or human development. Lyotard’s observation reflects a concern that this economic framing reduces knowledge to a tool, stripping it of its broader human and cultural significance.

Ultimately, Lyotard’s reflection is both a critique and a warning. He reminds us that while knowledge inevitably circulates within systems of exchange, we must remain aware of how these dynamics shape what kind of knowledge is valued and produced. By recognizing the commodification of knowledge, society can reflect on whether the pursuit of profit overshadows the pursuit of understanding, and whether the balance between economic utility and human meaning can be restored.