41,三本者,治乱之原也

管子语录 汉英双解

【原文】君之所审者三:一曰德不当其位;二曰功不当其禄;三曰能不当其官;此三本者,治乱之原也。《立政》

【汉解】君主需要审查的问题有三个:一是大臣的品德与地位不相称,二是大臣的功劳与俸禄不相称,三是大臣的能力与官职不相称。这三个根本问题是国家治乱的根源。
 

【英译】The prince should be concerned about three things: The first is that a man’s virtue is not equal to his position. The second is that his achievement is not equal to his salary. The third is that his ability is not equal to his office. These three fundamental areas of concern are a source of order or disorder.