From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Center
κέντρον
kentronKentron is a center, especially a geometrical or cosmic center.
Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordKentron is a center, especially a geometrical or cosmic center.
- In StobaeusZeno’s account makes the motion of parts toward the center an explanation of cohesion and cosmic stability.
- In this edition“Center” preserves the spatial and explanatory focus; do not substitute a modern gravitational mechanism.
- A place to beginCentral tendency explains the rest of the world and the earth’s equilibrium.
- English renderings
- center
Meaning
Kentron is a center, especially a geometrical or cosmic center. It should be distinguished from merely being somewhere in the middle of a collection.
Use in the book
Zeno’s account makes the motion of parts toward the center an explanation of cohesion and cosmic stability. The earth is established in equilibrium about the world’s center, while the world remains at rest in surrounding infinite void. The argument extends from the organization of individual wholes to the organization of the cosmos.
Places to read
- I.19.4.1Central tendency explains the rest of the world and the earth’s equilibrium.
Translation in this edition
“Center” preserves the spatial and explanatory focus; do not substitute a modern gravitational mechanism.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 166. The report concerns the Stoic Zeno; “in equilibrium” renders the expression for equal strength or power.
From the book
The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert, Volumes I–II
Joseph Joubert · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Center
centre
A center organizes relations: converging threads, points around a circumference, inward faculties, or the parts of a sentence.
Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordA center organizes relations: converging threads, points around a circumference, inward faculties, or the parts of a sentence.
- In JoubertThe spider at the center of its web pictures the soul in the brain, but only under the explicit condition “if” and the qualification “to speak like these moderns.” God as the center of corresponding circumferences is another relational image.
- In this edition“Center” and “eccentric” keep the geometry of the last comparison.
- A place to beginNerves converge like threads at a spider’s center.
- English renderings
- center
Meaning
A center organizes relations: converging threads, points around a circumference, inward faculties, or the parts of a sentence.
Use in the book
The spider at the center of its web pictures the soul in the brain, but only under the explicit condition “if” and the qualification “to speak like these moderns.” God as the center of corresponding circumferences is another relational image. In the late grammatical criticism, the center of the sentence is the prince; a construction that returns instead to the people is called eccentric and compared with a loose thread. Center thus marks coherence and reference as well as physical position.
Places to read
- I, p. 125, entry 7, ¶1Nerves converge like threads at a spider’s center.
- I, p. 323, entry 7, ¶1The divine center coordinates points of circumferences.
- II, p. 914, entry 7, ¶2A sentence becomes eccentric when it leaves its organizing referent.
Translation in this edition
“Center” and “eccentric” keep the geometry of the last comparison. The first passage is not translated as an unqualified assertion that the soul inhabits the brain.
Source note
Beaunier 1938, I, pp. 125, 323; II, pp. 914.