【原文】天有常象，地有常形，人有常礼。一设而不更，此谓三常。兼而一之，人君之道也；分而职之，人臣之事也。君失其道，无以有其国；臣失其事，无以有其位。《君臣上》

【汉解】天有经常的气象，地有经常的形体，人有经常的礼制，一经设立就不更改，这叫做三常。统一规划全局的是人君之道；分管各项职责的，是人臣的事。人君违背了君道，就不能够保有他的国家；人臣旷废了职责，就不能够保持他的官位。

【英译】Heaven has its constant representations, Earth has its constant form, and man has constant rules of propriety, which , once established, never change. These are called the three constants. Uniting them together into one is the way of the prince. Maintaining distinctions and performing his tasks is the duty of the minister. If the prince neglects his way, it will be impossible for him to possess his state. If the minister neglects his duty, it will be impossible for him to maintain his position.