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Olivier Rey's 'Une question de taille' Advocates for Measure

publication · 2026-04-24

In an interview with Fabrice Hadjadj published in artpress (May 2015), philosopher and CNRS researcher Olivier Rey discusses his book 'Une question de taille' (Stock). The work follows his earlier essays 'Une folle solitude' (Seuil, 2006) on the fantasy of the self-constructed man, and 'Le Testament de Melville' (Gallimard, 2011) on Billy Budd. Rey critiques the contemporary obsession with growth and scale, arguing for a return to measure and proportion in human affairs. The interview explores themes of limits, technology, and the philosophical underpinnings of modern society. Rey's mathematical background informs his analysis of how size and scale distort human relationships and ecological balance.

Key facts

  • Olivier Rey is a researcher at CNRS
  • The interview is published in artpress issue 422 (May 2015)
  • The book discussed is 'Une question de taille' published by Stock
  • Previous works include 'Une folle solitude' (Seuil, 2006) and 'Le Testament de Melville' (Gallimard, 2011)
  • The interview was conducted by Fabrice Hadjadj
  • Rey critiques the obsession with growth and scale
  • He advocates for a return to measure and proportion
  • His mathematical background influences his perspective

Entities

Artists

  • Olivier Rey
  • Fabrice Hadjadj

Institutions

  • CNRS
  • artpress
  • Stock
  • Seuil
  • Gallimard

Sources