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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Facing Pages · Branch 448 of 4529
YEAR 1805 · Entry 4229
French
p. 89521 septembre (19 septᵇʳᵉ à Villeneuve.)
Il n’importe pas qu’il y ait beaucoup de ce que vous appellez certitude dans les choses, pourvu qu’il y en ait beaucoup dans les esprits. La conviction est nécessaire plus que la vérité. C’est par la conviction qu’on se propose un but, qu’on vise, qu’on atteint etc.; et qu’on acquiert de la droiture, de l’ordre etc. — Qu’importe que le but soit blanc pourvu qu’en l’ajustant on prenne l’habitude de tirer juste?
The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert, Volume II: YEAR 1805
p. 896September 21 (Sept. 19 at Villeneuve.)
It does not matter whether there is much of what you call certainty in things, provided there is much of it in minds. Conviction is more necessary than truth. Through conviction one sets oneself a goal, aims, reaches it, etc.; and acquires uprightness, order, etc. — What does it matter whether the target is white, provided that in aiming at it one acquires the habit of shooting straight?
Socrates
Reading The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert, Volume II · YEAR 1805 · Entry 4229
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.