管子语录 汉英双解

【原文】建当立有，以靖为宗，以时为宝，以政为仪，和则能久。非吾仪虽利不为，非吾当虽利不行，非吾道虽利不取。上之随天，其次随人。人不倡不和，天不始不随。故其言也不废，其事也不随。《白心》

【汉解】建立常规常道，应当以虚静为本，以合于时宜为贵，以正确不偏为准则，这三者协调一致，就能够持久不败。不合我的准则，虽有利也不去做；不合我的常规，虽有利也不推行；不合我的常道，虽有利也不采用。首先是适应天道，其次是适应人心。人们不提倡的事不去应和，天不曾开创的事不去听从。所以，其言论不会失效，其事业不会失败。

【英译】Take establishing tranquility as fundamental and timeliness as a treasure. Take what is correct for rules of deportment, establish constant standards, and set forth the Way. Then the harmony will long prevail. If something does not accord with my rules for proper deportment, even though beneficial to me, I will not act. If it does not accord with my constant standards, even though beneficial to me , I will not promote it. If it does not accord with my way, even though beneficial to me, I will not accept it. Above all, the sage follows Heaven, only then does he follow other men. Unless others lead, he does not seek for harmony. Unless Heaven initiates, he does not seek to follow. Therefore his words are never rejected, nor are his activities ever undermined.