In Désert, Le Clézio distinguishes between a geographical space, mea- surable expansion, and place, a center or nombril of life and existence. The distinction of space and place is the basis of relations between the world and man; space can be defined in rational terms for greater intellectual security; place expresses the union or fusion of man and world. Space can be conceived by man-made laws and by a rational demonstration of structures and principles, governed by rigorous definitions. Man’s place in Désert, however, expresses the rhythmic vitality of man and nature, appearing and disappearing in the immense, nameless ocean of infinity, the desert: