From the book
The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert, Volumes I–II
Joseph Joubert · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Dignity
dignité
Dignité may arise from inward peace or nobility of soul; it is not confined to rank, and it need not exclude modesty.
Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordDignité may arise from inward peace or nobility of soul; it is not confined to rank, and it need not exclude modesty.
- In JoubertThe poet is to retain dignity even while making an object hateful, moderating language and sparing an enemy.
- In this editionThe English translation retains the Lucan saying in Latin with its source attribution.
- A place to beginPoetic dignity requires peace and moderation even toward an enemy.
- English renderings
- dignity
Meaning
Dignité may arise from inward peace or nobility of soul; it is not confined to rank, and it need not exclude modesty.
Use in the book
The poet is to retain dignity even while making an object hateful, moderating language and sparing an enemy. This dignity comes from peace of soul rather than force of denunciation. The theologian’s dignity and even majesty can likewise admit modesty: confidence in a doctrine need not become confidence in personal infallibility. The industry argument finally distinguishes dignity received from heaven or light from hereditary blood. These contexts locate dignity in different relations to peace, knowledge and worth. They do not erase the social meaning of rank, but prevent that meaning from occupying every use.
Places to read
- I, p. 87, entry 6, ¶1Poetic dignity requires peace and moderation even toward an enemy.
- II, p. 709, entry 3, ¶1Dignity can coexist with modesty about one’s demonstrations.
- II, p. 915, entry 9, ¶1Nobility of soul is called dignity independent of blood.
Translation in this edition
The English translation retains the Lucan saying in Latin with its source attribution. The theologian passage’s English completions remain bracketed where French letters are lost. The industry paragraph is undated and keeps heaven or light as alternatives.
Source note
Beaunier 1938, I, pp. 87; II, pp. 709, 915.
From the book
Centuries of Meditations
Thomas Traherne · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Dignity
dignity; dignities; high worth; exalted office
Dignity can mean intrinsic excellence, honourable standing, or an elevated office.
Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordDignity can mean intrinsic excellence, honourable standing, or an elevated office.
- In TraherneHuman dignity is measured first by likeness to divine love, not by social precedence.
- In this edition“Dignities” may denote honours or high stations; “dignity” may name worth without any worldly rank.
- A place to beginThe divine image gives the soul an unmeasurable dignity and fitness for friendship with God.
Meaning
Dignity can mean intrinsic excellence, honourable standing, or an elevated office. Traherne uses it for both the worth of the human soul and the exceptional office of Christ.
Use in the book
Human dignity is measured first by likeness to divine love, not by social precedence. The soul’s ability to love and be loved makes it suitable for communion with God. Redemption gives this claim a further intensity: the one for whom the Son suffers is shown to possess astonishing worth. Knowledge of that dignity matters practically, because a merely implicit belief cannot give the assured enjoyment available through understanding. Yet creaturely exaltation and Christ’s unique priesthood remain distinguishable; the shared vocabulary should not make their offices identical.
Places to read
In this edition
“Dignities” may denote honours or high stations; “dignity” may name worth without any worldly rank. Follow the argument rather than assuming a fixed social hierarchy.