We leave the inner realm and start walking down the path of life. Entering the world, meeting the social, stepping out, and expanding the self – positions us in relation to things: Gives things their dimensions. And like things, we are also subjected to measurement. To the external eye that examines us from head to toe. Subjected to the gaze of the other, the demands of society, the needs of the system.

Qualities become figures, and action is evaluated in relation to our abilities, in relation to what can be measured and quantified – classified and exploited. Personal and private will is overridden by considerations of costs and efficacy. Measurement is the establishment of ratios – a fixed ratio. It is a tool that allows production of “scale,” measuring. A tool that allows production of perspective: putting things in their place, putting things in proportion.

Measurement gives things “depth of field” – moral value. It enables to overcome the “internal” / “external” dichotomy (the personal and private perspective) and to conceive of action as the production of a fixed relation in a world of constant flux and indeterminacy. To think about the exchange, trade, exploitation, and compromises needed for the action’s success.

What is the right measure? What are the virtuous values? Measurement calls us to improve, to continue to
adapt our action, to realize and offer something to the other. Measurement distorts and allows to build an image of the world, social life. It awakens the desire to be precise, to create meaning, to succeed.

What is acceptable? How can we be accepted?