From the book
The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert, Volumes I–II
Joseph Joubert · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Gratitude
reconnoissance
Reconnoissance is acknowledgment of what is received, with a scope that can exceed visible success.
Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordReconnoissance is acknowledgment of what is received, with a scope that can exceed visible success.
- In JoubertThe warning against accepting pleasures without gratitude leaves the giver unnamed.
- In this editionThe English translation retains the cubic/square metaphor, the correction from morality alone to morality and laws, and both Latin maxims as separate sayings.
- A place to beginReceiving pleasures without gratitude is called a disastrous habit.
- English renderings
- gratitude
Meaning
Reconnoissance is acknowledgment of what is received, with a scope that can exceed visible success.
Use in the book
The warning against accepting pleasures without gratitude leaves the giver unnamed. The legal maxim about extending favors becomes a rule for generous acknowledgment, then an example of moral truth visible from every side. Its deed-and-intention formulation must be read in the printed direction rather than silently reversed. A separate fragment describes gratitude unmoved by whether a service succeeds: a regretful refusal can touch as deeply as a joyful and fruitful effort. Gratitude therefore responds to disposition and relation as well as benefit, without making unsuccessful action materially successful.
Places to read
- II, p. 656, entry 5, ¶1Receiving pleasures without gratitude is called a disastrous habit.
- II, p. 740, entry 2, ¶1Gratitude is placed beside a maxim about broadly extending favors.
- II, p. 805, entry 5, ¶1A regretful refusal can move generous gratitude as much as successful effort.
Translation in this edition
The English translation retains the cubic/square metaphor, the correction from morality alone to morality and laws, and both Latin maxims as separate sayings. The refusal fragment’s final [and] is a contextual completion of a damaged conjunction.
Source note
Beaunier 1938, II, pp. 656, 740, 805.
From the book
Centuries of Meditations
Thomas Traherne · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Gratitude
gratitude; grateful; thankfulness; returning benefits
Gratitude is the acknowledgement and answering appreciation of a benefit.
Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordGratitude is the acknowledgement and answering appreciation of a benefit.
- In TraherneIn Traherne, gratitude is generated by truthful valuation: the common works of God become recognisable gifts, and pleasure overflows into praise.
- In this edition“Gratitude” is not only a spoken acknowledgement.
- A place to beginRecognition of freely given works produces gratitude and mutual delight.
Meaning
Gratitude is the acknowledgement and answering appreciation of a benefit. It includes knowledge of the good received, regard for the giver, and an appropriate return in affection or action.
Use in the book
In Traherne, gratitude is generated by truthful valuation: the common works of God become recognisable gifts, and pleasure overflows into praise. This return does not enrich a materially needy deity. It gives love what love desires, namely to be understood, prized, and answered. The argument also carries self-love beyond itself. Satisfaction in benefits can awaken a stronger delight in the giver’s own goodness and happiness. In that movement, gratitude becomes a means of union rather than a debt discharged and forgotten.
Places to read
- I.35Recognition of freely given works produces gratitude and mutual delight.
- III.82Praise returns benefits through knowledge, complacency, thanksgiving, and inward love.
- IV.49Grateful principles turn self-love toward delight in God’s own felicity.
- III.93Gratitude is expressed through fidelity, public praise, mercy, and conduct.
In this edition
“Gratitude” is not only a spoken acknowledgement. The text tests it through enduring attention and acts of love; continued gifts call for renewed rather than diminishing appreciation.