76,民,利之则来

管子语录 汉英双解

【原文】民,利之则来,害之则去。民之从利也,如水之走下,于四方无择也。故欲来民者,先起其利,虽不召而民自至。设其所恶,虽召之而民不来也。故曰:“召远者使无为焉《形势解》

【汉解】人民,有利则来,有害则去。人民趋利,就象水往下流一样,不管东西南北。所以,要招来民众,先创造对他们有利的条件,虽不招而民自至。如对他们有害,虽招而不来。所以说;“召远者使无为焉。”

【英译】When people are benefited, they come; when they are harmed, they leave. People follow after benefits just as water runs downhill. It has no preference among the four directions. Therefore those who wish to make the people come must first initiate benefits for them. Then, even though not summoned, the people will arrive by themselves. On the other hand, if what is harmful to them is instituted, the people will not come, even though they are summoned.