He who stands on his tiptoes does not stand firm; he who stretches his legs does not walk (easily). (So), he who displays himself does not shine; he who asserts his own views is not distinguished1; he who vaunts himself does not find his merit acknowledged; he who is self- conceited2 has no superiority allowed to him. Such conditions, viewed from the standpoint of the Tao, are like remnants of food, or a tumour3 on the body, which all dislike. Hence those who pursue (the course) of the Tao do not adopt and allow them.
关键词:道德经英文版
企者不立,跨者不行。
自见者不明,
自是者不彰,
自伐者无功,
自矜者不长。
其在道也,曰余食赘行。
物或恶之,故有道者不处。
【译文】
踮着脚尖立不稳,张着双腿难成行。执求成名的,不明于道;自以为是的,不善辨析;自我夸耀的,少有事功;自我矜持的,难以长久。这些做法比之于道的理想范式,实在是一种撑胀而拖沓的行为。一般存在也有不这样的,所以,奉行完善的在途规范的人绝不这样。
1 distinguished
adj.卓越的,杰出的,著名的
参考例句:
Elephants are distinguished from other animals by their long noses.大象以其长长的鼻子显示出与其他动物的不同。
A banquet was given in honor of the distinguished guests.宴会是为了向贵宾们致敬而举行的。
2 conceited
adj.自负的,骄傲自满的
参考例句:
He could not bear that they should be so conceited.他们这样自高自大他受不了。
I'm not as conceited as so many people seem to think.我不像很多人认为的那么自负。
3 tumour
n.(tumor)(肿)瘤,肿块
参考例句:
The surgeons operated on her for a tumour.外科医生为她施行了肿瘤切除手术。
The tumour constricts the nerves.肿瘤压迫神经。