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Diotimos Library · Journals, Notebooks & Fragments Collection · Bilingual Edition

Joseph Joubert

The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert, Volume I

Complete Notebooks · French with an independent English translation.

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The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert, Volume IYEAR 1798 · Entry 1022

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YEAR 1798 · Entry 1022

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French

p. 2043

Dans les questions de métaphysique, il faut se décider par la clarté. C’est l’utilité qui doit décider dans les questions de morale et de pratique. Dès qu’on peut dire « il est avantageux au genre humain » on a prouvé ce qu’il faut faire. De même, quand on a conçu nettement, on a trouvé ce qu’il faut croire.

2043

The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert, Volume I: YEAR 1798

p. 2044

In questions of metaphysics, one must decide by clarity. Usefulness must decide in questions of morality and practice. Once one can say “it is advantageous to humankind,” one has proved what must be done. Likewise, when one has conceived clearly, one has found what must be believed.

2044

About This Reading Edition

Joubert’s notebooks return to the work of thinking and writing, the demands of friendship, and questions of faith, beauty and conduct. This edition pairs the French with a new English translation, preserving the order of the chosen source and the unfinished character of its fragments. Dates and source references allow readers to follow a thought through time or return to its printed context.

Historical Text and Translation

The French text follows André Beaunier’s 1938 edition of Les Carnets de Joseph Joubert, published by Gallimard from Joubert’s autograph manuscripts. Volume I presents the entries on printed pages 32–475. French and English are aligned paragraph by paragraph, retaining the source order, printed dates and page references so readers can return to the facsimile.

About Diotimos Editions

Diotimos Editions prepared this new English translation directly from the French, preserving Joubert’s distinctions, recurring images, ambiguities and unfinished thoughts. Translator’s notes clarify wording, references and uncertain readings: Essential keeps notes that help explain a passage, while All includes technical detail. Annotations from the 1938 source edition remain distinct from the new translator’s notes.

Rights

The linked facsimile records identify the French source as public domain in the United States. The new English translation and editorial notes are © 2026 Diotimos, with source annotations and new editorial contributions credited separately. This edition pairs the complete French notebooks with an independent English translation, preserving the distinction between Joubert’s text and its accompanying notes.