91

Whereas the value of physical goods is relatively easy to assess, because they are tangible and quantifiable, intangible goods require a more complex mode of assessment. This is the case of forms of knowledge, services, intellectual products, and culture in general. There is a market for such goods, one as old as are commercial exchanges. Three operations make this possible: assessment through the use of units of measurement, the formatting of activities, and the exchange or sharing of the goods involved. Yet, beyond those intangible goods whose valued can be assessed in a marketplace, there are other goods?or rather values?that can never be assessed. They have to do with talent, giving, trust, dignity?that which is priceless.