Business Quote by Jaron Lanier
““What did you think would happen? We in Silicon Valley undermined copyright to make commerce become more about services instead of content: more about our code instead of their files.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on technology and copyright, 2020
He argues that Silicon Valley shifted focus from protecting content to prioritizing services and code, changing how commerce works.
In simple terms: Silicon Valley turned commerce from content to services and code.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how tech reshapes value creation.
Themes
technology
economics
intellectual property
innovation
culture
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- software development
- media licensing
- startup strategy
- policy making
Key Concepts
digital rights
platform economics
value extraction
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this shift affect creators?
- What balance should exist between services and content?
A Different Perspective
The shift may overlook creators’ rights and long‑term sustainability.
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)