管子语录 汉英双解

【原文】圣人之求事也，先论其理义，计其可否。故义则求之，不义则止。可则求之，不可则止。故其所得事者，常为身宝。小人之求事也，不论其理义，不计其可否，不义亦求之，不可亦求之。故其所得事者，未尝为赖也。 【形势解》

【汉解】圣人要干一件工作，首先问它是否合于理义，并估计其可能性。合于“义”则做，不合于“义”的则不做。有可能则做，没有可能则不做。所以他所做到的事情，常常是宝贵的。小人做一件事，不问它是否合乎理义，不估计可能与不可能。不义的做，不可能的也做。所以他所做的事情，是靠不住的。所以说：“必得之事，不足赖也。

【英译】When the sage wants something done, he first discusses its nature and rightness, and estimates its possibilities. If right, he pursues it; if not, he desists. If possible, he pursues it; if not, he desist. Thus whatever he undertakes is always like a personal treasure to him. But the petty person wants something done, he does not discuss its nature or rightness, nor does he estimate its possibilities. Whether or not it is right or possible, he still pursues it, Therefore his undertakings are never dependable.