Diotimos Library · Journals, Notebooks & Fragments Collection · Bilingual Edition
The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert, Volume II
Complete Notebooks · French with an independent English translation.
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French Page · Branch 2258 of 4529
YEAR 1810 · Entry 6039
French
p. 45155 janvier.
Les Chinois portent la politesse et la gravité jusqu’à l’affectation. C’est à dire : ils portent ces choses plus loin que l’âme et sa bonté ne les inspirent. Leurs préceptes de civilité dépassent l’exacte morale, et leurs manières vont au delà de tout respect et de toute bienveillance possibles. Ils sont hors du « juste milieu » à cet égard.
The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert, Volume II: YEAR 1810
p. 4516January 5.
The Chinese carry politeness and gravity to the point of affectation. That is to say: they carry these things farther than the soul and its goodness inspire them. Their precepts of civility go beyond strict morality, and their manners go beyond all possible respect and goodwill. They stand outside the “proper mean” in this regard.
Socrates
Reading The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert, Volume II · YEAR 1810 · Entry 6039
Ask about a concept, passage, contradiction, or connection.
Socrates will begin with this book and its sources.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 II continues the notebooks and includes seventy undated pieces. 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.