齐国宰相40年管子“治国理政”语录汉英双解

                  管必红、【刘向】、【Allyn Rickett】

                        

                   以人为本 本理则国固

【原文】夫霸王之所始也，以人为本。本理则国固，本乱则国危。故上明则下敬，政平则人安，士教和则兵胜敌，使能则百事理，亲仁则上不危，任贤则诸侯服。《霸言》

【汉解】霸王之业的开始，也是以人民为本。本治则国家巩固，本乱则国家危亡。所以，上面英明则下面敬服，政事平易则人心安定，战士训练好则战争取胜，使用能臣则百事皆治，亲近仁人则君主不危，任用贤相诸侯就信服了。

【英译】 Now, a lord protector or king begins by taking people as basic. If its base is in good order, the state will be secure; if it is in disorder, the state will be endangered. Therefore, if the sovereign is clear-sighted, subordinate officials will be respectful. If the government is evenhanded, people will be at ease. If the instruction of the knights is appropriate, the armed forces will vanquish the enemy. If these things can be effected, all undertakings will be well ordered. If the sovereign takes as his close associates those who are humane, he will never be endangered. If he employs the worthy, the feudal lords will be submissive.

 

             

               礼义廉耻 治国根本

【原文】 凡牧民者，欲民之修小礼、行小义、饰小廉、谨小耻、禁微邪、此厉民之道也。民之修小礼、行小义、饰小廉、谨小耻、禁微邪、治之本也。 《权修》

【汉解】  凡治理人民，要求人民谨小礼、行小义、修小廉、饬小耻、禁止小的坏事，这都是训练人民的办法。而人民能够作到谨小礼、行小义、修小廉、饬小耻并禁止小的坏事，又正是治国的根本。

【英译】Since those who shepherd the people desire them even in minor matters to be meticulous in observing propriety, practicing righteousness, cultivating integrity, and displaying a sense of shame, they must prohibit even the slightest beginning of evil. Such is the way to discipline the people. When the people, even in minor matters, are meticulous in observing propriety, practicing righteousness, cultivating integrity, and displaying a sense of shame, and even the slightest beginning of evil are prohibited, such is the basis of good order.

 

                        国有四维  四维绝则灭

【原文】 国有四维，一维绝则倾，二维绝则危，三维绝则覆，四维绝则灭。倾可正也，危可安也，覆可起也，灭不可复错也。《牧民》

【汉解】 国有四维，缺了一维，国家就倾斜；缺了两维，国家就危险；缺了三维，国家就颠覆；缺了四维，国家就会灭亡。倾斜可以扶正，危险可以挽救，倾覆可以再起，只有灭亡了，那就不可收拾了。

【英译】 The state has  four cardinal virtues. If one is eliminated, the state will totter. If two , it will be in danger. If three, it will be overthrown. If all four are eliminated, it will be totally destroyed. What totters may be set straight. What is endangered may be made safe. What has been overthrown may be reestablished. But, what has been totally destroyed can never be restored.

                           

                      

                        四维不张 国乃灭亡

【原文】不明鬼神，则陋民不悟；不只山川，则威令不闻；不敬宗庙，则民乃上校；不恭祖旧，则孝悌不备；四维不张，国乃灭亡。《牧民》

【汉解】不尊鬼神，小民就不能感悟；不祭山川，威令就不能远播；不敬祖宗，老百姓就会犯上；不尊重宗亲故旧，孝悌就不完备。四维不发扬，国家就会灭亡。

【英译】 If you do not honor the spirits, Crude common folk will not believe in them. If you do not respect the gods of the mountains and rivers, Orders intended to inspire awe will go unheeded. If you do not revere your ancestral temples, The people will copy their superior‘s example. If you do not venerate your ancestors and great men of the past, Filial piety and respect for elders will suffer. If the four cardinal virtues do not prevail, he state will perish.

                    

                            

                     何谓四维 礼义廉耻

【原文】何谓四维？一曰礼、二曰义、三曰廉、四曰耻。礼不踰节，义不自进。廉不蔽恶，耻不从枉。故不踰节，则上位安；不自进，则民无巧轴；不蔽恶，则行自全；不从枉，则邪事不生。《牧民》

【汉解】什么是四维呢？一是礼，二是义，三是廉，四是耻。有礼，人们就不会超越应守的规范；有义，就不会妄自求进；有廉，就不会掩饰过错；有耻，就不会趋从坏人。人们不越出应守的规范，为君者的地位就安定；不妄自求进，人们就不巧谋欺诈；不掩饰过错，行为就自然端正；不趋从坏人，邪乱的事情也就不会发生了。

【英译】What are these four cardinal virtues? The first is propriety,  the second is righteousness, the third is integrity, and the fourth is a sense of shame. Propriety consists in not overstepping the bounds of proper restraint. Righteousness consists in not pushing oneself forward at the expense of others. Integrity consists in not concealing one’s faults. Having a sense of shame consists in not following those who go awry. Therefore if no one oversteps  the bounds of proper restraint, the position of the sovereign will be safe. If no one pushes himself forward, the people will be free of artfulness and deceit. If no one follows those who go awry, evil practices will not arise.

                    

                           守国之度 在饰四维

【原文】故省刑之要，在禁文巧，守国之度，在饰四维，顺民之经，在明鬼神，只山川，敬宗庙，恭祖旧。《牧民》

【汉解】因此，减少刑罚的关键，在于禁止奢侈；巩固国家的准则，在于整饰四维；教训人民的根本办法，则在于：尊敬鬼神、祭祀山川、敬重祖宗和宗亲故旧。

【英译】Therefore the essential component in reducing punishments is to prohibit luxury and artfulness. The primary measure for preserving the state is to promote the four cardinal virtues. The basic precepts for achieving obedience among the people are: to honor the spirits, respect the mountain and river gods, reserve the ancestral temples, and venerate ancestors and great men of the past.

 

          衣食足，则知荣辱

【原文】凡有地牧民者，务在四时，守在仓廪。国多财，则远者来，地辟举，则民留处；仓廪实，则知礼节；衣食足，则知荣辱；上服度，则六亲固。四维张，则君令行。《牧民》

 

【汉解】凡是一个国家的君主，必须致力于四时农事，确保粮食贮备。国家财力充足，远方的人们就能自动迁来，荒地开发得好，本国的人民就能安心留住。粮食富裕，人们就知道礼节；衣食丰足，人们就懂得荣辱。君主的服用合乎法度，六亲就可以相安无事；四维发扬，君令就可以贯彻推行。

 

【英译】All those who posses territory and shepherd people must pay heed to the four seasons and watch over granaries. If the state has an abundance of wealth, people will come from afar. If the land has been opened for cultivation, They will settle down. When the granaries are full, they will know propriety and moderation. When their clothing and food is adequate, They will know the distinction between honor and shame. If those on high exercises proper measure in dress and expenditure, The six relationships will be secure. If the four cardinal virtues prevail, the prince’s orders will be carried out.

 

            

                政之所兴，在顺民心

 

【原文】政之所兴，在顺民心。政之所废，在逆民心。民恶忧劳，我佚乐之。民恶贫贱，我富贵之，民恶危坠，我存安之。民恶灭绝，我生育之。《牧民》

 

【汉解】政令所以能推行，在于顺应民心；政令所以废弛，在于违背民心。人民怕忧劳，我便使他安乐；人民怕贫贱，我便使他富贵；人民怕危难，我便使他安定；人民怕灭绝，我便使他生育繁息。

 

【英译】Success in government lies in following the hearts of the people. Failure lies in opposing them. The people hate trouble and toil, so the prince should provide them with leisure and freedom from care. The people hate poverty and low position, so the prince should provide them with riches and honor. The people hate danger and disaster, so the prince should insure their exsistence and provide them with security. The people hate death and annihilation, so the prince should enable them to live and propagate.

 

                  人故相憎也 人之心悍

【原文】人故相憎也，人之心悍。故为之法。法出于礼，礼出于治，治礼道也，万物待治礼而后定。《枢言》

【汉解】人们本来是相互憎恶的，人心凶悍，所以要颁布法律。法出于礼，礼出于理论。理论与礼都是道。万物的关系都是根据理论和礼的出现而后才确定下来的。

【英译】Men in ancient times were hostile to each other, and their hearts were cruel. Therefore laws were made for them. Laws emanated from rules of propriety, and these in turn from the requirements for good order. Good order and customary rules of behavior constitute the moral way. All beginnings await the security that comes when good order and the rules of propriety prevail.

 

             凡国之亡也 以其长者也

【原文】凡国之亡也，以其长者也。人之自失也，以其所长者也，故善游者死于梁池，善射者死于中野。命属于食，治属于事。…众胜寡，疾胜徐，勇胜怯，智胜愚，善胜恶，有义胜无义，有天道胜无天道，凡此七胜者贵众，用之终身者众矣《枢言》

【汉解】凡国家的败亡，找原因往往在它的长处；人的自我失误，也往往因其所长。所以，善于游泳者死于梁地，善于射猎者常死在荒野之中。生命从属于粮食，言辞从属于实事。…　　众胜寡，快胜慢，勇胜怯，智胜愚，善胜恶，有义胜无义，有天道胜无天道。凡此七个胜利条件贵在有其多数，而终身运用就将具备其多数了。

【英译】The demise of states and the defeat of individuals stem from their strengths. Therefore, those who are skilled in swimming die in dammed up ponds. Those who are killed in shooting die in fields. Life depends on having food to eat. Good government depends on managing affairs. The many will be victorious over the few, the speedy over the slow, the brave over the cowardly, the wise over the stupid, the good over the bad, those who practice righteousness over those who do not, and those who follow the way of Heaven over those who do not. When all seven of these victories are appreciated and brought together a great many people will be able to live out their full lives.

 

          予之为取者 政之宝也

【原文】故刑罚繁而意不恐，则令不行矣。杀戮众而心不服，则上位危矣。故从其四欲，则远者自亲；行其四恶，则近者叛之，故知“予之为取者，政之宝也”。《牧民》

【汉解】刑罚繁重而人心不惧，法令就无法推行了；杀戮多行而人心不服，为君者的地位就危险了。因此，满足上述四种人民的愿望，疏远的自会亲近；强行上述四种人民厌恶的事情，亲近的也会叛离。由此可知，“予之于民就是取之于民” 这个原则，是治国的法宝。

【英译】Therefore punishment alone is not enough to terrify the minds of the people, nor is killing sufficient to make their hearts submissive. Thus, if punishments are numerous yet the minds of the people are not terrified, orders will not be carried out. If killing abounds, yet the hearts of the people are not submissive, the position the sovereign will be endangered. Therefore if the prince complies with their four desires, even those in distant places will of themselves rally around him. But if he imposes on them the four things they hate, then even those who are near at hand will turn against him. Thus knowing that “to give is to receive” is the most precious thing in government. 

 

    故刑罚不足以畏其意 杀戮不足以服其心

【原文】能佚乐之，则民为之忧劳。能富贵之，则民为之贫贱。能存安之，则民为之危坠。能生育之，则民为之灭绝。故刑罚不足以畏其意，杀戮不足以服其心。《牧民》

【汉解】因为我能使人民安乐，他们就可以为我承受忧劳；我能使人民富贵，他们就可以为我忍受贫贱；我能使人民安定，他们就可以为我承担危难；我能使人民生育繁息，他们也就不惜为我而牺牲了。单靠刑罚不足以使人民真正害伯，仅凭杀戮不足以使人民心悦诚服

【英译】If the people can provide them with leisure and freedom from care, the people will be willing to endure trouble and toil for him. If he can provide them with riches and honor, they will be willing to endure poverty and low position for him. If he can ensure their existence and provide them with security , they will be willing to endure danger and disaster for him. If he enable them to live and propagate, they will be willing to endure death and annihilation for him.

                和合故能习；习故能偕     

【原文】畜之以道，养之以德。畜之以道，则民和，养之以德，则民合。和合故能习；习故能偕。偕习以悉。莫之能伤也。《幼官》

【汉解】养兵要合于道德。因为，养兵以道则人民和睦，养兵以德则人民团结。和睦团结就能使力量聚合，聚合就能协调。普遍地协调相聚，那就谁也不能伤害了

【英译】 Rear your people in accordance with the Way. Nurture them with the Power. If reared in accordance with the Way, the people may be harmonized. If nurtured with the Power, the people may be united. Since they are harmonious and united, they can live on intimate terms. Since they live on intimate terms, they can cooperate. Since they live in complete cooperation and on such intimate terms, no one can harm them.

                       时至则为 过则去

 

【原文】好讥而不乱，亟变而不变，时至则为，过则去。王数不可豫致。《国准》

 

【汉解】重视调查而做到有条不紊，积极改革而不留恋过去，条件成熟就应当实行，条件已变就应放弃。成王业的具体政策是不能事前安排好的。

 

【英译】They must be good at investigating the situation and never letting it get out of hand. They must be quick to change without being fickle. When the proper time arrive, they must act; when it is past, they must let go. The policies suitable for a specific reign can never be foreseen in advance.

 

       

                  上下不和 虽安必危

 

【原文】 道往者，其人莫来；道来者，其人莫往。道之所设，身之化也。持满者与天，安危者与人。失天之度，虽满必涸；上下不和，虽安必危。欲王天下，而失天之道，天下不可得而王也。得天之道，其事若自然；失天之道，虽立不安。 《形势》

 

【汉解】 失道者，人民不肯来投；得道者，人民不肯离去。道之所在，自身就应该与之同化。’凡是始终保持强盛的，就因为顺从天道；凡是能安危存亡的，就因为顺从人心。违背天的法则，虽然暂时丰满，最终必然枯竭；上下不和，虽然暂时安定，最终也必然危亡。

 

【英译】When the way has left the ruler, no one will come to him. When the way has come to the ruler, no one will leave him. The way brings about the transformation of the self. Maintaining fullness has to do with Heaven. Alleviating danger has to do with men. If the ruler disregards limits or dained by Heaven. Even though his country be full to overflowing, it will certainly dry up. If harmony is lacking between the throne and those below. Even though the ruler may feel secure, he will certainly encounter danger.

 

            

                     备患于未形

 

【原文】城郭沟渠，不足以固守；兵甲彊力，不足以应敌；博地多财，不足以有众。惟有道者，能备患于未形也，故祸不萌。天下不患无臣，患无君以使之。天下不患无财，患无人以分之。《牧民》

 

【汉解】单靠城郭沟渠，不一定能固守；仅有强大的武力和装备，不一定能御敌；地大物博，群众不一定就拥护。只有有道的君主，能做到防患于未然，才可避免灾祸的发生。天下不怕没有能臣，怕的是没有君主去使用他们；天下不怕没有财货，怕的是无人去管理它们。

 

【英译】City and suburban walls, moats and ditches will not suffice to secure one’s defenses. Arms and physical force will not suffice to meet the enemy. Vast territory and abundant wealth will not suffice to hold the masses. Only those who adhere to the true Way are able to prepare for trouble before it arises so calamities will not occur. The trouble is not that the realm lacks ministers, but rather that there is no prince to employ them. Nor is it that it lacks wealth, but rather that no one distributes it.

 

 

             

             且怀且威，则君道备

 

【原文】 且怀且威，则君道备矣。莫乐之，则莫哀之；莫生之，则莫死之。往者不至，来者不极。 《形势》

 

【汉解】 一方面关怀臣民，另方面再有威严，为君之道，才算完备。君主不能使臣民安乐，臣民也就不会为君主分忧；君主不能使臣民生长繁息，臣民也就不会为君主牺牲生命。君主给予臣民的，不确实兑现；臣民对待君主，也是不会全力以赴的。

 

【英译】Kindly yet awe-inspiring, the way of the prince will be complete. If the prince does not give pleasure to the people, they will not grieve for him. If he does not give them life, they will not die for him. If what goes out is not adequate, what return will not be the best.

 

 

                 

 

                  兵不可以无主

 

【原文】 万乘之国，兵不可以无主，土地博大，野不可以无吏，百姓殷众，官不可以无长，操民之命，朝不可以无政。 《权修》

 

 【汉解】 万辆兵车的大国，军队不可以没有统帅；领土广阔，农田不可以没有官吏；人口众多，官府不可无常法；掌握着人民命运，朝廷不可无政令。

 

【英译】In a country of ten thousand chariots, the armed forces must have a commander-in-chief. Its area being extensive, the countryside must have functionaries. Its population being large, the offices must have heads. In shaping the destiny of the people, the court must have an administrative policy.

 

         

           地博而国贫者，野不辟也

 

【原文】 地博而国贫者，野不辟也，民众而兵弱者，民无取也。故末产不禁，则野不辟。赏罚不信，则民无取。野不辟，民无取，外不可以应敌，内不可以固守. 《权修》

 

【汉解】 地大而国家贫穷，是因为土地没有开辟；人多而兵力薄弱，是因为人民缺乏督促。所以，不禁止奢侈品的工商业，土地就不得开辟；赏罚不信实，人民就缺乏督促。土地没有开辟，人民缺乏督促，对外就不能抵御敌人，对内就不能固守国土。

 

【英译】If its area is extensive, yet the state remains poor, it is because the countryside has not brought under cultivation. If its population is large, yet its armed forces are weak, it is because there is nothing to motivate the people. Now, if nonessential production is not prohibited, the countryside will not be brought under cultivation. If rewards and punishments are not reliable, there will be nothing to motivate the people, the enemy cannot be challenged without nor the defenses secured within.

 

 

        地辟而国贫者，舟舆饰，台榭广也

 

【原文】 地辟而国贫者，舟舆饰，台榭广也。赏罚信而兵弱者，轻用众，使民劳也。赋敛厚，则下怨上矣。民力竭，则令不行矣。下怨上，令不行，而求敌之勿谋己，不可得也。

 

【汉解】土地开辟了，而国家仍然贫穷，那是君主的舟车过于豪华、楼台亭阁过多的原故。赏罚信实而兵力仍然薄弱，那是轻易兴师动众、使民过劳的原故。赋税繁重则人民怨恨朝廷，民力枯竭则政令无法推行。人民怨恨，政令不行，而求敌国不来侵略，那是办不到的。

 

【英译】If the land has been brought under cultivation, yet the state remains poor, it is because boats and chariots are ornate and towers and pavilions are built on a vast scale. If the rewards and punishments are reliable, yet the armed forces are weak, it is because the ruler has been careless in employing the masses and overworking his people. If exactions and levies are too heavy, his subjects will resend their sovereign. When the strength of his people has been exhausted, his orders will not be carried out. When his subjects resent their sovereign and his orders are not carried out, it is impossible to expect his enemies to refrain from scheming against him.

 

 

            天有常象 地有常形 人有常礼

 

【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.

 

 

          

 

            

 

          君明、相信、五官肃、士廉、农愚、商工愿

 

【原文】君明、相信、五官肃、士廉、农愚、商工愿、则上下体而外内别也，民性因而三族制也。《君臣上》

 

【汉解】君主英明，辅相诚信，五官严肃，士人廉直，农民愚朴，商人与工匠谨厚，那么，上下就有一定的体统，内外有一定的分别；人民生活有依靠。而农、商、工三类人也都有所管理了。

 

【英译】When the brilliant of the prince is fully trusted, the officers are stern, the gentry above corruption, the peasants simple, and the merchants and artisans honest, the sovereign and his subjects will be as one, and the sexes will be kept separate. The people will have a basis for their existence, and the three generations will all observe the regulations.

 

           始于患者，不与其事；亲其事者，不规其道

 

【原文】始于患者，不与其事；亲其事者，不规其道。是以为人上者患而不劳也，百姓劳而不患也。君臣上下之分索，则礼制立矣《君臣下》

 

【汉解】主管谋划的人，不参与具体事务；亲身参与事务工作的，不管掌握原则。所以，做君主的只谋虑思患而不从事劳作；做百姓的只从事劳作而不管谋虑思患。君臣上下的职分明确定下来，礼制就建立起来了。

 

【英译】Those who lead the way in using their minds do not participate in ordinary affairs of state. Those who are personally involved in such affairs do not determine the way in which the state is to be governed. For this reason, he who serves as the sovereign belabors his mind but not his physical strength. The hundred surnames belabor their physical strength but not their minds. When the distinctions between prince and minister, superior and inferior are fixed, rules of propriety and sumptuary regulations are established.

                  君人者制仁 臣人者守信

 

【原文】进退者主制，滔赶者主劳。主劳者方，主制者圆。圆者运，运者通，通则和。方者执，执者固，固则信。君以利和，臣以节信，则上下无邪矣。故曰：君人者制仁，臣人者守信《君臣下》

 

【汉解】考虑举止动作的管号令，实践俯仰屈伸的主管劳力。主管劳力的要方正，主管号令的要圆通。圆的长于运转，运转的能变通，变通就可以和谐。方的往往固执，固执的能坚定，坚定就可以信诚。君主用物利协调群臣，群臣用守本分来表示诚信，上下就不会有偏差了。

 

【英译】Those who consider matters back and forth devote themselves to management. Those who rush about devote themselves to labor. Those who devote themselves to labor are represented by squareness; those who devote themselves to management are represented by roundness. Round revolves comprehensive; harmony; square is steadfast, stable, stability and credibility. When the prince maintains harmony by extending benefits to the people and ministers maintain credibility by practicing restraint, there will be no profligacy on the part of either the sovereign or his subordinates.

 

                万民之不治，贫富之不齐也

【原文】夫民富则不可以禄使也，贫则不可以罚威也。法令之不行，万民之不治，贫富之不齐也。《国蓄》

【汉解】人太富了，利禄就驱使不动；太穷了，刑罚就威慑不住。法令的不能贯彻，万民的不能治理，是由于社会上贫富不均的缘故。

【英译】Now, if people are too rich, salaries cannot be used to employ them; If they are too poor, punishments cannot be used to intimidate them. When laws and orders are not executed and the multitude is not well governed, it is because great inequality exists between rich and poor.

 

 

             尝试多怨争利 相为不逊 则不得其身 大哉

 

【原文】修恭逊、敬爱、辞让、除怨、无争以相逆也，则不失于人矣。尝试多怨争利，相为不逊，则不得其身。大哉！。《小称》

 

【汉解】 讲求恭逊、敬爱、谦让、除怨、无争，以互相对待，就不会失去人心。试行多怨、争利，互相不讲恭逊，则身亦难保。恭逊敬爱之道，是太伟大了。

 

【英译】One will never lose the support of others if one cultivates the virtues of reverence and humility, respect and love, and is politely yielding, devoid of resentment, and uncontentious when meeting them. However, if one is filled with resentment, ready to fight for any advantage, and lacking in humility, it will be difficult to protect oneself. Great indeed is the way of reverence and humility, respect and love!

          

 

                  祥于鬼者义于人 兵不义不可

 

【原文】兵之出，出于人；其人入，入于身。兵之胜，从于适；德之来，从于身。故曰：祥于鬼者义于人，兵不义不可，强而骄者损其强，弱而骄者亟死亡；强而卑义信其强，弱而卑义免于罪。是故骄之余卑，卑之余骄。《白心》

 

【汉解】战争的出击，虽是出击他人；但他人反击进来，也会危及自身。战争的胜利，虽是敌人失败；但得来这个胜利，还是出自自身的牺牲。所以说：凡是得福于鬼神者必行义于人，不义的战争是发动不得的。强国如果骄傲就损害它的强大，弱国如果骄傲就加速它的死亡；强国谦卑就可以发展它的强大，弱国谦卑就可以免于遭到祸患。因此，骄纵的结局将是卑陋，谦卑的结局则是矜荣。

 

【英译】When armed forces are sent forth, they will be directed against others. But when the others counterattack, they will be directed against oneself. Victory in arms is derived from suitable situations; virtue is derived from one’s self. Therefore, it is said:” Whoever is blessed by the spirits must be righteous in his conduct toward others, and the armed forces must be used in a righteous manner.” Those who are strong but arrogant, destroy their strength; those who are weak but arrogant, hasten toward death and ruin. Being strong but humble expands one’s strength. Being weak but humble keeps one from offending others.  For this reason, too much arrogance leads to humility, too much humility leads to arrogance.

 

 

             大周之先 可以奋信 大明之祖 可以代天

 

【原文】善周者，明不能见也；善明者，周不能蔽也。大明胜大周，则民无大周也；大周胜大明，则民无大明也。大周之先，可以奋信；大明之祖，可以代天。《势》

 

【汉解】善于保密的，明察也不能发现；善于明察的，保密也不能隐蔽。我方高度明察胜过对方的高度保密，则对方之人无高度保密可言；我方高度保密胜过对方的高度明察，则对方之人无高度明察可言。创造高度保密的，可以使进军迅速，创造高度明察的，可代替天的启示。

 

【英译】He is so good at keeping secrets that even those who are very perceptive cannot see. He is so perceptive that even those who are secretive cannot hide. Since his great perceptiveness can overcome any amount of secretiveness, there can be no great secretiveness on the part of his people. Since his great capacity for keeping secrets can overcome any amount of perception, there can be no great perceptiveness on the part of his people. Since, in his great capacity for keeping secrets, he is foremost, he can be quick in moving outward.  Since, in his great capacity for  being perceptive, he is first, he can represent Heaven.

                凡治国之道，必先富民

 

【原文】凡治国之道，必先富民。民富则易治也，民贫则难治也。奚以知其然也？民富则安乡重家，安乡重家则敬上畏罪，敬上畏罪则易治也。民贫则危乡轻家，危乡轻家则敢凌上犯禁，凌上犯禁则难治也。《治国》

 

【汉解】大凡治国的道理，一定要先使人民富裕，人民富裕就容易治理，人民贫穷就难以治理。何以知其然？人民富裕就安于乡居而爱惜家园，安乡爱家就恭敬君上而畏惧刑罪，敬上畏罪就容易治理了。人民贫穷就不安于乡居而轻视家园，不安于乡居而轻家就敢于对抗君上而违犯禁令，抗上犯禁就难以治理了。

 

【英译】It is ever so that the way to maintain good order in a state is to be certain, first of all, to make its people prosperous. When the people are prosperous, they are easy to keep in order. When the people are poor, they are difficult to keep in order.  How do we know this? If people are prosperous, they will feel content in their local districts and treat their homes as very important. If so, they will respect their sovereign and be leery of committing crimes, then, they will be easy to keep in order.  If the people are poor, they will feel threatened in their districts and treat their homes lightly, they will dare to denigrate their sovereign and violate his prohibitions. If this occurs, they will be difficult to keep in order.

 

          

              顺天之时 约地之宜 忠人之和

 

【原文】春仁、夏忠、秋急、冬闭，顺天之时，约地之宜，忠人之和，故风雨时，五谷实，草木美多，六畜蕃息，国富兵强，民材而令行，内无烦扰之政，外无强敌之患也。《禁藏》

 

【汉解】春天仁慈，夏天忠厚，秋天严峻，冬天收闭，顺天时，管地宜，再合乎人和，就可以风调雨顺，五谷丰登，草木繁茂，六畜兴旺，国富兵强，人民富裕而法令通行，国内没有烦民扰民的政治，外部也没有强敌的祸患了。

 

【英译】Spring is for humaneness, summer for loyalty, autumn for expediency, and the winter for closing down activity. Since the ruler is in accord with the seasons of Heaven, conforms to what is suitable in respect to Earth, and cherishes harmony among men, the wind and rain are seasonable, the five grains ripen, plants and trees flourish, the six domestic animals multiply, the country prospers, the armed forces are strong, the people are talented, and orders are carried out. Internally there are no troublesome political problems; externally there are no disasters

 

      

          节宫室 通车舆以实藏 则国必富 位必尊

【原文】故圣人之制事也，能节宫室、通车舆以实藏，则国必富、位必尊；能適衣服、去玩好以奉本，而用必赡、身必安矣；能移无益之事、无补之费，通币行礼，而党必多、交必亲矣。 《禁藏》

【汉解】因此，圣明君主的行事，能够俭治宫室，撙节车驾来充实国家贮备，则国必富而位必尊；能够撙节衣服、抛弃玩好之物来加强农业生产，则财用必足而地位必然巩固；能够摆脱无益的活动、无益的开支，来进行通币行礼的外交活动，则盟国必多而关系必然亲睦。

【英译】Now, since the sage in regulating his affairs is able to practice moderation in terms of palaces and prudence in terms of chariots, thereby seeing to it that his treasury remain full, his state is bound to be rich and his position honored. Since he is able to be conservative in terms of dress and dispense with idle pleasures, thereby promoting essential production, his needs are bound to be satisfied and his person safe. Since he is able to avoid meaningless activity and useless expense, thereby being in a position to present rich gifts and act in accordance with the rules of propriety, his allies are bound to be numerous and his relations with them close.

 

          

            鸟之覆卵 无形无声 而唯见其成

【原文】善者势利之在，而民自美安，不推而往，不引而来，不烦不扰，而民自富。如鸟之覆卵，无形无声，而唯见其成。《禁藏》

【汉解】善治国考，掌握住利源之所在，人民就自然羡慕而甘心接受；无需推动，他们也会前进；无需引导，他们也会跟来；不烦民又不扰民，而人民自富。这就象鸟孵卵一样，不见其形，不闻其声，小鸟就破巢而出了。

【英译】Those who are skilled in government control the presence of wealth so that the people are naturally content. Without pushing them, they go; without pulling them, they come. Without trouble or worry, the people enrich themselves. It is like a bird sitting on its eggs: there is neither shape nor sound, but the young suddenly appear quite complete.

        

           与民为一体 则是以国守国 以民守民也

 

【原文】明君顺人心，安情性，而发于众心之所聚。是以令出而不稽，刑设而不用。先王善与民为一体。与民为一体，则是以国守国，以民守民也。然则民不便为非矣。《君臣上》

 

【汉解】英明的君主，顺从人心，适应人的性情，行事都从众人共同关心的地方出发。这样，命令布置下去，就不会阻碍；刑罚设置了，却用不着。先王就是善于同人民合成一体的。与民一体，那就是用国家保卫国家，用人民保卫人民，人民当然就不去为非作歹了。

 

【英译】The enlightened prince accords with the hearts of the people., is at ease with their nature, and proceeds from a consensus of the masses. Hence, his orders are put forth with no resistance while punishments are established but not applied. The former kings were skilled at being as one with the people. Since they were as one with their people, they relied on their state to preserve their state and their people to preserve their people.  This being so, the people would not easily commit wrongs.

 

 

        欲为天下者 必重用其国 欲为其国者 必重用其民

 

【原文】 欲为天下者，必重用其国，欲为其国者，必重用其民，欲为其民者，必重尽其民力。无以畜之，则往而不可止也；无以牧之，则处而不可使也；远人至而不去，则有以畜之也。民众而可一，则有以牧之也。《权修》

 

  【汉解】 要想治好天下，必须珍惜本国国力；想要治好国家，必须珍惜国内人民；想要治好人民，必须珍惜民力之耗尽。没有办法养活人民，人们就要外逃而不能阻止；没有办法治理人民，即使留下来也不能使用。远地的人们来而不走，是因为有效地养活了他们；人口众多而可以统一号令，是因为有效地治理了他们。

 

【英译】Whoever would control the entire realm must be careful how he uses his state. Whoever would control a state must be careful how he uses his people. Whoever would control his people must be careful how he uses their strength. If there is no way to feed them, they cannot be prevented from running away. If there is no way to shepherd them, they may remain at home, but cannot be employed. When people come from afar and do not leave, it is because there is a way to feed them. When they are numerous yet can be united, it is because there is the way to shepherd them.

 

     

         

        厚爱利 足以亲 明智礼 足以教

 

【原文】 厚爱利，足以亲之。明智礼，足以教之。上身服以先之。审度量以闲之。乡置师以说道之，然后申之以宪令，劝之以庆赏，振之以刑罚，故百姓皆说为善，则暴乱之行无由至矣。 《权修》

 

【汉解】 君主能够付出厚爱和厚利，就可以亲近人民，申明知识相礼节，就可以教育人民。要以身作则来引导人民，审定规章制度来防范人民，设置乡的官吏来指导人民。然后再用法令加以约束，用奖赏加以鼓励，用刑罚加以威慑。这样，百姓就都愿意做好事，暴乱的行为便不会发生了。
 

【英译】Being generous with love and benefits is sufficient to win the allegiance of the people. Manifesting wisdom and propriety is sufficient to instruct them. However, the sovereign must himself adhere to the law in order to serve as an example for them and see that there is proper measure in exactions and expenditures in order to guard against excesses. Place governors in the local districts to exhort and guide the people. Thereafter, keep them informed with laws and orders, encourage them with rewards, and overawe them with punishments. Then, since the hundred surnames will all be happy in doing good, violent and disorderly conduct will have no cause to arise.  

 

 

        积多者其食多 积寡者其食寡 无积者不食

 

【原文】 凡牧民者。以其所积者食之。不可不审也。其积多者其食多，其积寡者其食寡，无积者不食。或有积而不食者，则民离上；有积多而食寡者，则民不力；有积寡而食多者，则民多轴；有无积而徒食者，则民偷幸； 《权修》

 

【汉解】凡是治理人民，对于按劳绩给予禄赏的问题，不可不审慎从事。劳绩多的禄赏多，劳绩少的禄赏少，没有劳绩的就不给予禄赏。如果有劳绩而没有禄赏，人们就离心离德；劳绩多而禄赏少，人们就不努力工作；劳绩少而禄赏多，人们就弄虚作假；无劳绩而空得禄赏，人们就贪图侥幸。

 

【英译】Those who would shepherd the people must pay careful attention to see that stipends accord with achievements. Those whose achievements are great should be given much. Those whose achievements are few should be given less. Those who have no achievement should be given nothing. Should it happen that those who have achievements receive nothing, the people will turn away from the sovereign. Should  those whose achievements are great receive less, the people will not exert themselves. Should those whose achievements are few receive more, the people will resort to deceitfulness. Should those who have no achievements receive stipends for nothing, the people will merely trust to luck.

 

 

        察能授官 班禄赐予 使民之机

 

【原文】 故离上不力，多轴偷幸，举事不成，应敌不用。故曰：察能授官，班禄赐予，使民之机也。 《权修》

 

【汉解】 凡是离心离德、工作不力、弄虚作假、贪图侥幸的，举办大事不会成功，对敌作战也不会尽力。所以说，根据人的能力授予官职，按照劳绩差别赐予禄赏，这是用人的关键.

 

【英译】Now if the people turn away from the sovereign, do not exert themselves, resort to deceitfulness, or merely trust to luck, they will neither complete their sovereign’s undertakings nor be of any use in opposing the enemy. Therefore it is said: “Investigate ability when bestowing offices; graduate the salaries when making awards. Such is the crucial factor when employing the people.

 

              

           地不辟，则城不固

 

【原文】 地之守在城，城之守在兵，兵之守在人，人之守在粟；故地不辟，则城不固。有身不治，奚待于人？有人不治，奚待于家？有家不治，奚待于乡？有乡不治，奚待于国？有国不治，奚待于天下？ 《权修》

 

【汉解】 国土的保障在于城池，城池的保障在于军队，军队的保障在于人民，而人民的保障在于粮食。因此，土地不开辟，就会造成城池不巩固。君主不能治理自身。怎么能治理别人？不能治人，怎能治家？不能治家，怎能治乡？不能治乡，怎能治国？不能治国，怎能治理天下？

 

【英译】The preservation of territory depends on walls; the preservation of walls depends on arms. The preservation of arms depends on men, and the preservation of men depends on grain.  Therefore, unless a territory is brought under cultivation, its walls will not be secure. Accordingly, if the sovereign does not appreciate what is essential, nonessential production will not be prohibited. If it is not prohibited, the people will neglect their seasonal work and treat lightly the benefits of Earth. If they treat lightly the benefits of Earth, it is impossible to expect the fields to be cultivated and the granaries to be full.

 

 

           

               此三本者 治乱之原

 

【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.  

 

          

             四务者 安危之本也

 

【原文】 君之所慎者四：一曰大德不至仁，不可以授国柄。二曰见贤不能让，不可与尊位。三曰罚避亲贵，不可使主兵。四曰不好本事，不务地利，而轻赋敛，不可与都邑。此四务者，安危之本也。 《立政》

 

【汉解】 君主要谨慎对待的问题有四个：一是对于提倡道德而不真正做到仁的人，不可以授予国家大权；二是对于见到贤能而不让的人，不可以授予尊高爵位；三是对于掌握刑罚而躲避亲贵的人，不可以让他统帅军队；四是对于那种不重视农业，不注重地利，而轻易课取赋税的人，不可以让他做都邑的官。这四条巩固国家的原则是国家安危的根本。
【英译】The prince should exercise caution in regard to four things: The first is that those who have great charismatic power but are deficient in terms of basic goodness should not be given control of the state. The second is that those who on seeing worthiness are unable to yield to it should not be given positions of honor. The third is that those who avoid punishing their relatives and men of high rank should not be commissioned to lead the armed forces. The fourth is that those who neither appreciate essential production nor pay heed to the benefits of Earth, and at the same time treat lightly the imposition of levies and exactions upon the people should not be assigned to administer cities and towns. These four security measures are basic to the question of safety or danger.

 

 

        王者藏于民 霸者藏于大夫 残国亡家藏于箧

 

【原文】王者藏于民，霸者藏于大夫，残国亡家藏于箧。《山至数》

 

【汉解】成王业的藏富于民，成霸业的藏富于大夫，败国亡家则是把财富收藏在箱子里。

 

【英译】True kings entrust their wealth to their people, lord protectors entrust theirs to great officers, while decrepit states and families doomed to perish entrust theirs to a money chest.

 

 

            处虚守静 人物则皇

 

【原文】若因处虚守静人物，人物则皇。常至命，尊贤授德，则帝。身仁行义，服忠用信，则王。审谋章礼，选士利械，则霸。《幼官》

 

【汉解】遵守虚静原则，让人人物物自得其适，如此，可成皇业。循常道，从天命，尊重贤士，授官于有德之人，如此，可成帝业。以身作则，实行仁义忠信，如此，可成王业。审虑战争谋略，彰明攻伐之理，精选兵士，修利武器，如此，可成霸业。

 

【英译】Those who dwelt in emptiness, preserved quiescence, and were in perfect accord with all men and things became sovereigns. Those who adhered to the constant standards, perfected their commands, honored the worthy, and bestowed ranks and salaries on the virtuous became emperors. Those who embodied goodness, practiced righteousness, gained the adherence of the loyal, and employed the trustworthy became kings. Those who examined stratagems, made clear the rules of propriety, selected knights, and sharpened their weapons became lord protectors.

 

 

              定生处死 谨贤修伍 则众

 

【原文】定生处死，谨贤修伍，则众。信赏审罚，爵材禄能，则强。计凡付终，务本饬末，则富。明法审数，立常备能，则治。同异分官，则安。《幼官》

 

【汉解】安定民生，安葬民死，敬重贤者，修睦百姓，可以赢得群众。赏功有信，罚过审明，把爵禄授给良材与能者，可以带来国强。注重筹算，致力于农业并管好工商末业，可以带来国富。修明法度，详审政策，建立常规，配备能臣，可以带来国治。按照不同职务，实行分官而治，可以带来国安。

 

【英译】Those who were able to give security to the living, find a resting place for the dead, take care of the worthy, and form the groups of five gained a large population. Those who were trustworthy in issuing rewards, were discriminating in exacting punishments, gave ranks to the talented and salaries to the able became strong. Those who kept a record of all expenditures and tallied the results, paid attention to essential production, and regulated that which was nonessential became prosperous. Those who made the laws clear, examined the estimates of their officials, set up constant standards, and prepared men of ability achieved a well-ordered government. Those who allotted the offices in accordance with similarities or differences in affairs became secure.

 

                       制胜法宝

 

【原文】必得文威武官习，胜之，务时因，胜之。终无方，胜之。几行义，胜之。理名实，胜之。急时分，胜之。事察伐，胜之。行备具，胜之。原无象，胜之。本定独威，胜。定计财，胜。定闻知，胜。定选士，胜。定制禄，胜。定方用，胜。定纶理，胜。定死生，胜。定成败，胜。定依奇，胜。定实虚，胜。定盛衰，胜。《幼官》

 

【汉解】一定要文官有德，武官有威；为官者应熟习胜敌之务。因时而动，是制胜的总则；敌众无防，是制胜的时机；兵行正义，是制胜的正理；表彰将士名实，是胜敌的急务；确立等级名分，是制胜的大事；研讨征伐过程，是制胜的行动；战具完备，是制胜的起因；军行隐蔽，是制胜的根本。能确定统一权威的；能确定计算财用的；能审定敌军情报的,;选择将士的；能确定禄赏制度的；能审定军器制造方案的；能审定事物伦类次序的；能审定死生的；能审定成败的；能审定正兵与奇兵的；能审定虚实的；能审定盛衰形势的，可以制胜。

 

【英译】There should be virtuous civil officials and aweinspiring military officials. Training of officials is a necessity for victory. Timing is the ultimate factor in victory. Flexibility is the secret of victory. The practice of righteousness is the principle of victory. Making names accord with reality is a vital concern for victory. Timely division is the business of victory. Investigation to be attacked is the prerequisite activity for victory. Being complete in preparations is the origin of victory. Inscrutability is the basis for victory. To be victorious: Be alone in your awesomeness; calculate your resources; ascertain; selection of your knights; regulate salaries; direction of your expenditures; guiding principles; life and death, success and failure; conformity and nonconformity; reality and emptiness; growth and decay.

 

                行若风雨 发如雷电

 

【原文】必设常主。计必先定。求天下之精材。论百工之锐器。器成，角试否臧。收天下之豪杰，有天下之称材。说行若风雨，发如雷电。《幼官》

 

【汉解】兵中主帅一定要常设不缺，作战计划必须事前定好。要征集天下的精良器材，评审各种工匠的精锐武器；武器制成后要比试优劣。要招收天下的豪杰，拥有天下的能手。行军应该像风雨一般地迅速，发兵应该像雷电一般地猛烈。

 

【英译】Be certain to set up a permanent commander. Be certain that detailed plans are prepared beforehand. Seek for the finest materials in the world. Examine the sharp weapons of the various artisans. When the weapons have been completed, distinguish the bad from the good through competitive trials. Collect the martial heroes of the world. Gain possession of the recognized talent in the world. Move like the wind and rain. Deploy your forces like thunder and lightning.

               强国为圈 弱国为属

 

【原文】 合内空周外。强国为圈，弱国为属。动而无不从，静而无不同。举发以礼，时礼必得。和好不基。贵贱无司，事变日至。《幼官》

 

【汉解】天下各地，强国成为亲眷，弱国成为藩属。有所行动，他们无不从命；平时无事，他们也没有分歧。举事动兵要有理所据，处在有理地位则举事必有所得。要保持和不生嫌隙，贵贱都没有纷争，意外的事变就会堵塞住了

 

【英译】Unite the people at home and bring those abroad within your orbit. The strong countries will become like members of your family while weak ones will become dependencies. When you move, no one will fail to follow; when you remain still, no one will fail to do the same. Initiate undertakings and issue orders in accordance with the rules of propriety. Then timeliness and propriety will certainly be achieved. Be harmonious and agreeable and refrain from perniciousness. Then the honored and lowly will not engage in litigations. If these are down, the fluctuations in seasonal affairs will occur on the proper day.

 

 

              旗物尚青 兵尚矛 刑则交寒害釱

 

【原文】旗物尚青，兵尚矛。刑则交寒害釱。器成不守，经不知。教习不著，发不意。经不知，故莫之能圉。发不意，故莫之能应。莫之能应，故全胜而无害。莫之能圉，故必胜而无敌。 《幼官》

【汉解】兵器完好，不如入境而敌军不知；教练再熟，不如动兵而出敌不意。入境而敌人不知，敌人就无法防御我们；动兵能出敌不意，敌人就无法应付我们。敌人无法应付，我军就全胜而没有伤害；敌人无法防御，我军就必胜而所向无敌。

 

【英译】Their weapons may be ready but the enemy will be defenseless because your passage will not be known until too late. Their instructions may be practiced but their effectiveness will not be manifested because your onslaught will be unanticipated. Since your passage will not be known, no one will be able to stop you. Since you are onslaught is unanticipated, no one will be able to meet it.  Since no one will be  able to meet it, you will not be completely victorious without any harm to yourself. Since no one will be able to stop you, you will certainly be victorious and unrivaled in battle.

 

                  始乎无端 卒乎无穷

 

【原文】始乎无端，卒乎无穷。始乎无端，道也。卒乎无穷，德也。道不可量，德不可数。不可量，则众强不能图。不可数，则为轴不敢乡。两者备施，动静有功。《幼官》

 

【汉解】战争起始要使人不知开端，战争结束要使人不知末尾。起始不见开端好比“道”，结束不见末尾好比“德”。道是不可量度的，德是不可测算的。不可量度，所以敌军强大也无法图谋我军；不可测算，所以敌军伪诈也不敢对抗我军。两者兼而施之，无论动兵或息兵，都能取得有效的结果。

 

【英译】Begin in the limitless. End in the inexhaustible. Beginning in the limitless refers to the Way; ending in the inexhaustible refers to the Power. The Way cannot be measured; the Power cannot be calculated. Since the Way cannot be measured, neither the numerous nor strong can plot against the one who clearly perceives it. Since the Power cannot be calculated, neither the false nor deceitful will dare approach the one who comprehends it. When these two have been applied throughout, there will be achievement in both movement and rest.

 

             民之所利立之 所害除之 则民人从

 

【原文】至善之为兵也，非地是求也，罚人是君也。立义而加之以胜，至威而实之以德。守之而后修，胜心焚海内。民之所利立之，所害除之，则民人从。《幼官》

 

【汉解】最高水平的用兵，不是为了占领别国的土地，也不是为了统治别国的人民。实行正义而以战胜为保证，给予威慑而以德政为内容；保持战果并扩展胜利果实，立意在控制天下。兴人民所利，除人民所害，则各国百姓服从。

 

【英译】The best way to employ arms is not by demanding the enemy’s territory but by applying punishments to their prince alone. Institute righteousness and apply it in your victories. Maximize your prestige and make it real by exercising benevolence. Observe these two and afterward you will conquer the minds of the enemy and encompass all within the seas.

 

                

               得人之道 莫如利之

 

【原文】得人之道，莫如利之。利之之道，莫如教之以政，故善为政者，田畴垦而国邑实，朝廷闲而官府治，公法行而私曲止，仓廪实而囹圄空，贤人进而奸民退，《五辅》

 

【汉解】得人的方法，莫如给人以利益；而给人以利益的方法，莫如用实际政绩来证明。所以，善于为政的，总是田地开垦而城邑殷实，朝廷安闲而官府清治，公法通行而邪道废止，仓库充实而监狱空虚，贤人得用而奸臣罢退。

 

【英译】The ways of winning the hearts of men, nothing is as good as benefiting them. Among the ways of benefiting them, nothing is as good as teaching them. Therefore, the sovereign who is skilled in conducting his government has well-developed fields and his capital city and towns are well populated. His court is calm and his offices well run. Public laws are carried out while individual crookedness is prevented. The granaries are full and the jails empty. Worthy men come forward, while wicked people retreat.

 

 

                 

 

                       义不可不行

 

【原文】民必知义然后中正，中正然后和调，和调乃能处安，处安然后动威，动威乃可以战胜而守固，故曰义不可不行也。《五辅》

 

【汉解】人民必须知义然后才能中正，中正然后和睦团结，和睦团结才能生活安定，生活安定然后办事才有威信，有威信才可以战争胜利而防务巩固。所以说：“义”是不可不行的。

 

【英译】Once the people are certain to know the meaning of righteous conduct, they will become honest and correct, and having become honest and correct, they will be harmonious. Since they are harmonious, the prince can be secure when at rest. Once he is secure when at rest, he can be awesome in action. Since he is awesome in action, he can be victorious in battle and firm in defense. Therefore it is said:” Righteous conduct must be practiced.”

          

 

                  爱之利之 益之安之

 

【原文】“爱之利之，益之安之。”四者道之出。帝王者用之而天下治矣。帝王者，审所先所后，先民与地，则得矣。先贵与骄，则失矣。《枢言》

 

【汉解】爱民、利民、益民、安民，四者都是从道产生的，帝王运用它们，天下便得治了。帝王，就是要分清什么事情应当放在前面，什么事应当放在后头。把人民和土地放在前面就对了，把高贵和骄傲放在前面就错了。

 

【英译】Love them, benefit them, make them prosper, and make them secure. These four emanate from the way of good government. The former emperors and kings used it and so the realm became well governed. The former emperors and kings took care when establishing priorities. Since they gave precedence to people and land, they were successful. If they had given precedence to honor and pride, they would have failed.

                既时且义 故能得天与人

 

【原文】先王不约束，不结纽，约束则解，结纽则绝。故亲不在约束结纽。先王不货交，不列地，以为天下。天下不可改也，而可以鞭棰使也。时也利也。出为之也。…是以能继天子之容。…时者得天，义者得人，既时且义，故能得天与人。《枢言》

 

【汉解】先王在处理国家关系时，既不“约束”，也不“结纽”。约结成束就必然解散，结成绳扣就必然折断。所以，国家亲善不在于“约束”和“结纽”。先王也不用“货交”和“裂地”的办法来治理天下。因为天下各国的既成关系不可轻易改变，只可以用威力统一驾御。合于天时，合于正义，都要去做。…合于天时则得到自然优势，合于正义则得到人的拥护。既占天时，又合正义，这就能把天与人的力量一并掌握起来了

 

【英译】The former kings did not restrain people by treaties or bind then through oaths. They released those restrained by treaties and dissolved the bonds of those bound by oaths. Therefore, when people attached themselves to them, it was not because of restraints or bonds. The former kings also did not engage in the exchange of gifts or carve up territory to grant fiefs in order to maintain control over the realm. However, the realms were inviolable and so the whip could be used to enforce them. Thus whether it be the seasons of Heaven or the benefits of Earth, generation after generation took advantage of them. Those who are timely obtain of Heaven; those who are just obtain the loyalty of men.  Being both timely and just, the former kings were able to obtain the rewards of Heaven and the loyalty of men.

 

 

               凡国之亡也 以其长者也

 

【原文】凡国之亡也，以其长者也。人之自失也，以其所长者也，故善游者死于梁池，善射者死于中野。命属于食，治属于事。…众胜寡，疾胜徐，勇胜怯，智胜愚，善胜恶，有义胜无义，有天道胜无天道，凡此七胜者贵众，用之终身者众矣《枢言》

 

【汉解】凡国家的败亡，找原因往往在它的长处；人的自我失误，也往往因其所长。所以，善于游泳者死于梁地，善于射猎者常死在荒野之中。生命从属于粮食，言辞从属于实事。…　　众胜寡，快胜慢，勇胜怯，智胜愚，善胜恶，有义胜无义，有天道胜无天道。凡此七个胜利条件贵在有其多数，而终身运用就将具备其多数了。

 

【英译】The demise of states and the defeat of individuals stem from their strengths. Therefore, those who are skilled in swimming die in dammed up ponds. Those who are killed in shooting die in fields. Life depends on having food to eat. Good government depends on managing affairs. The many will be victorious over the few, the speedy over the slow, the brave over the cowardly, the wise over the stupid, the good over the bad, those who practice righteousness over those who do not, and those who follow the way of Heaven over those who do not. When all seven of these victories are appreciated and brought together,  a great many people will be able to live out their full lives.

 

         

               

                   远者以礼 近者以体

 

【原文】先王取天下，远者以礼，近者以体，体礼者，所以取天下，远近者，所以殊天下之际。《枢言》

 

【汉解】先王谋取天下，对远的国家用“礼”，对近的国家用“亲”。所谓亲和礼，是用来谋取天下的手段；所谓远和近，是就区分天下各国边际而言的。

  

【英译】The former kings gained control over distant peoples of the realm by using the rules of propriety. For those close at hand, they relied on personal contact. Personal contact and the rules of propriety were the means by which they gained control over the realm. “Far” and “near” were the means by which they differentiated forms of intercourse.

 

 

                   凡君国之重器 莫重于令

 

【原文】凡君国之重器，莫重于令。令重则君尊，君尊则国安；令轻则君卑，君卑则国危。故安国在乎尊君，尊君在乎行令，行令在乎严罚。罚严令行，则百吏皆恐；罚不严，令不行，则百吏皆喜。《重令》

 

【汉解】凡属统治国家的重要手段，没有比法令更重要的。法令威重则君主尊严，君主尊严则国家安定；法令没有力量则君主低贱，君主低贱则国家危险。所以，安国在于尊君，尊君在于行令，行令在于严明刑罚。刑罚严、法令行，则百官畏法尽职；刑罚不严、法令不行，则百官玩忽职守。

 

【英译】Of all the important instruments for ruling a state, none is more important than orders. If orders are treated as important, the prince will be honored. If he is honored, the state will be safe. If the orders are treated lightly, the prince will be scorned. If he is scorned, the state will be endangered. Therefore, ensuring the safety of the state depends on the prince being honored, and such honor depends on having his orders carried out. Having his orders carried out depends on his being strict in regard to punishments. If his punishments are strictly applied and his orders are carried out, the various functionaries will all be fearful of punishment. If punishments are not strictly applied and the orders are not carried out, the various functionaries will all be delighted.

 

 

              三者见一 则敌国制之

 

【原文】朝不贵经臣，则便辟得进，毋功虚取；奸邪得行，毋能上通。国不服经俗，则臣下不顺，而上令难行。民不务经产，则仓廪空虚，财用不足。…三者见一焉，则敌国制之矣。《重令》

 

【汉解】朝廷不重视经臣，则嬖臣得进，无功者空得官禄；奸邪得逞，无能者混入上层。国家不施行经俗，则臣下不顺，而君令难以推行。人民不注重经产，则仓凛空虚，财用不足。…三种情况出现一种，国家就将被敌国控制了。

 

【英译】If the court does not value ministers who adhere to constant standards, specious attendants will gain entrance, those with no accomplishments will falsely obtain salaries, the depraved and wicked will be able to do as they please, and the incompetent will move upward. If the state does not support customary practices that adhere to constant standards, ministers and subordinates will not be obedient and the orders of the sovereign will be difficult to carry out. If the people do not pay attention to production that adhere to constant standards, granaries will be empty and necessities in short supply….If one of these three conditions appears, enemy countries will be in control.

 

 

        国不虚重 兵不虚胜 民不虚用 令不虚行

 

【原文】故国不虚重，兵不虚胜，民不虚用，令不虚行。凡国之重也，必待兵之胜也，而国乃重。凡兵之胜也，必待民之用也，而兵乃胜；凡民之用也，必待令之行也，而民乃用。凡令之行也、必待近者之胜也，而令乃行。《重令》

 

【汉解】所以，国家不是凭空就能强大的，军队不是凭空就能打胜仗的，人民不是凭空就能服从使用的，法令不是凭空就能贯彻下去的。凡是国家的强大，一定要依靠军队能打胜仗，然后，国家才能强大。凡是军队打胜仗，一定要依赖人民服从使用，然后，军队才能打胜仗。凡是人民服从使用。一定要法令贯彻下去，然后人民才能服从使用。凡是法令的贯彻，必须使君主所亲近的人遵守，然后，法令才能贯彻下去。

 

【英译】Now，a state must not be ineffectual in establishing its importance in the world, its armed forces must not be ineffectual in seeking victories, its people must not be ineffectually employed, and orders must not be ineffectually carried out. The importance of the state inevitably depends on victories by its armed forces. Victories by its armed forces inevitably depends on the employment of its people inevitably depends on orders being carried out. The carrying out of its orders inevitably depends on establishing their precedence over intimates of the prince.

 

          地大国富 人众兵强 此霸王之本

 

【原文】地大国富，人众兵强，此霸王之本也，然而与危亡为邻矣。天道之数，人心之变。天道之数，至则反，盛则衰。人心之变，有余则骄，骄则缓怠。《重令》

 

【汉解】地大国富，人众兵强，这自然是称霸、称王的根本。然而，至此也就与危亡接近了。天道的规律和人心的变化就是这样的：就天道的规律说，事物发展到尽头则走向反面，发展到极盛则走向衰落；就人心的变化说，富有了，则产生骄傲，骄傲则松懈怠惰。

 

【英译】Extensive territory, a wealthy state, a large population, and powerful armed forces, these are the basis for becoming a lord protector or a king. However, they will also bring the prince close to danger and destruction. The way of Heaven has its course; the minds of men are subject to change. It is the course of Heaven’s way to reach the extreme and then revert, to reach the full and then decline. The change in men’s minds is to become arrogant when achieving too much, when there is arrogance, there is negligence.

 

                     三器六攻

 

【原文】凡先王治国之器三，攻而毁之者六。…三器者何也？曰：号令也，斧钺也，禄赏也。六攻者何也？曰：亲也，贵也，货也，色也，巧佞也，玩好也。《重令》

 

【汉解】先代君主治国的手段有三个，遇到破坏和毁灭国家的因素则有六个。三种手段是什么？就是：号令、刑罚、禄赏。六种破坏因素是什么？就是：亲者、贵者、财货、美色、奸佞之臣和玩好之物。

 

【英译】There were always three instruments with which the former kings governed the state and six evils that attacked and harmed it. What are the three instruments? Commands and orders, battle-axes , and halberds, salaries and rewards. What were the six attacks? Having favorites, awarding honors, bribes, beautiful women, clever sycophants, and indulgence in pleasure.

 

 

                 远近一心 则众寡同力

 

【原文】若此，则远近一心；远近一心，则众寡同力；众寡同力；则战可以必胜，而守可以必固。非以并兼攘夺也，以为天下政治也，此正天下之道也。《重令》

 

【汉解】这样一来，就可以做到远近一心了；远近一心，就可以达到众寡同力了；众寡同力，就可以做到作战必胜、防守必固了。所有这些都不是为侵吞和掠夺别国，而为的是把天下政事治理好，这正是匡正天下的原则。

 

【英译】Such being the case, the near and far were of one mind. Being of one mind, the many and the few cooperated in their efforts. Cooperating in their efforts, they were certain to be victorious in battle and the defenses were certain to be secure. This was not annex and plunder, but to provide government for the entire realm. This is the way to bring order to the realm.

 

 

                    十殆

 

【原文】闻贤而不举，殆；闻善而不索，殆；见能而不使，殆；亲人而不固，殆；同谋而离，殆；危人而不能，殆；废人而复起，殆；可而不为，殆；足而不施，殆；几而不密，殆。《法法》

 

【汉解】知道有贤才而不举用，要失败；听到有好事而不调查，要失败；见到能干的人而不任使，要失败；亲信于人而不坚定，要失败；共同谋事而不团结，要失败；想危害人而不能，要失败；已废黜人而再用，要失败；事可为而不为，要失败；家已富而不施，要失败；机要而不能保密，也要失败。

 

【英译】Be defeated by: To hear of worthiness and not elevate ;  To hear of excellence and not seek after; To see ability and not employ; To become intimate with men and not remain firm of purpose; To agree on a plan and then diverge; To make threats against others and not be able to implement them; To dismiss a person and then reinstate him; To fail to act when there is an opportunity to do so; To have plenty and refuse to share it; To have secret plans and not treat them discreetly.  

 

 

                   三欲不节 则上位危

 

【原文】 君有三欲于民，三欲不节，则上位危。三欲者何也？一曰求，二曰禁，三曰令。求必欲得，禁必欲止，令必欲行。求多者，其得寡；禁多者，其止寡；令多者，其行寡。求而不得，则威日损；禁而不止，则刑罚侮；令而不行，则下凌上。 《法法》

 

【汉解】 君主对人民有三项要求，三项要求不节制，君主地位就危险。三项要求是什么呢？一是索取，二是禁阻，三是命令。索取总是希望得到，禁阻总是希望制止，命令总是希望推行。但索取太多，所得到的反而少；禁阻太多，所制止的反而少；命令太多，所推行的反而少。索取而不得，威信就日益降低；禁阻而不止，刑罚将受到轻视；命令而不行，下面就欺凌君上。

 

【英译】The prince desires three things from his people, but if these desires are not kept within bounds, his position on high will be endangered. What are these three? The first pertains to what he seeks, the second to what he prohibits, and the third to what he orders. He certainly desires to gain what he seeks. He certainly desires to have stopped what he prohibits. He certainly desires to have carried out what he orders. If he seeks too much, little will be gained. If he prohibits too much, little will be stopped. If he orders too much, little will be carried out. If what he seeks is not gained, his prestiges will daily decrease. If what he prohibits is not stopped, the punishments will be ridiculed. If what he orders is not carried out, his subjects will have humiliated the sovereign.

              

             四者备体 则胥足上尊时而王不难矣

 

【原文】 君子食于道，则上尊而民顺；小人食于力，则财厚而养足。上尊而民顺，财厚而养足，四者备体，则胥足上尊时而王不难矣。《法法》

 

【汉解】君子靠治国之道生活，则君主尊严而人民顺从；小人靠出力劳动生活，即财物丰厚而生活富裕。君主尊严，人民顺从，财物丰厚，生活富裕，四个条件具备，就不难待时而成王业了。

 

【英译】When  men of quality are paid in accordance with their adherence to the moral way, the sovereign is honored and the people submissive. When ordinary men are paid in accordance with their physical effort, wealth becomes abundant and nourishment adequate. When these four conditions have been fulfilled---the sovereign honored, the people submissive, wealth abundant, and nourishment adequate, then by awaiting the proper opportunity, it is easy to become king.

 

 

                 令已布而罚不及 则是教民不听

 

【原文】 令已布而罚不及，则是教民不听。民不听，则强者立；强者立，则主位危矣。故曰：宪律制度必法道，号令必著明，赏罚必信密，此正民之经也。《法法》

 

【汉解】法令已经公布，而不能依法行罚，这就是叫人民不服从法令。人民不服从法令，强人就要兴起；强人兴起，君主地位就危险了。所以说：法律制度一定要合于治国之道，号令一定要严明，赏罚一定要信实坚决，这都是规正人民的准则。

 

【英译】If the orders have already been issued but punishments are not meted out to those who disregard them, the people are taught to be disobedient. If the people are disobedient, the strong establish themselves in power. If the strong establish themselves, the position of the ruler will be endangered. Therefore, it is said:”Legal statutes, regulations, and procedures must be patterned on the moral way. The orders must be publicized and made clear, and the rewards and punishments must be made reliable and absolute.” These are the standards for bringing order to people.

 

              

                势非所以予人也

 

【原文】令重于宝，社稷先于亲戚，法重于民，威权贵于爵禄。故不为重宝轻号令，不为亲戚后社稷，不为爱民枉法律，不为爵禄分威权。故曰：势非所以予人也。《法法》

 

【汉解】 政令重于宝物，政权先于至亲，法度重于人民，威权重于爵禄。所以，不可为重宝而看轻政令，不可为至亲而把国家政权放在后面，不能为爱民而歪曲法律，不能为爵禄而分让权威。所以说：权势是不能给予他人的。

 

【英译】 Orders are more precious than jewels. The altars to Land and Grain take precedence over family relations. The laws are more important than the people. Prestige and power are more to be valued than ranks and salaries. Thus, do not disregard orders because of precious jewels. Do not consider your altars to Land and Grain secondary because of family relations. Do not twist laws and statutes because of love for the people. Do not share your prestige and power because of ranks and salaries. Therefore it is said:”Your position of authority is not something to be granted to others. 

 

 

             强国众 先举者危 后举者利

 

【原文】夫神圣，视天下之形，知动静之时；视先后之称，知祸福之门。强国众，先举者危，后举者利。强国少，先举者王，后举者亡。战国众，后举可以霸；战国少，先举可以王。《霸言》

 

【汉解】神圣的君主，都是看天下的形势，了解动静时机；看先后机宜，了解祸福的道路。强国多，先举事者危险，后举事者得利；强国少，先举事者成王，后举事者失败。参战国多，后举事者可以成霸；参战国少，先举事者就可以成王。

 

【英译】Now, the divine sage looks at the condition of the realm and knows whether it is a time to be active or quiescent. He looks at the consequences of events and knows whether they represent the door to disaster or prosperity. If strong states are numerous, whoever takes the initiative will be in danger, while those who lag behind will reap the benefits. When strong states are few, whoever takes the initiative will become king, while those who lag behind will be lost. When warring states are numerous, whoever lags behind may become lord protector. When warring states are few, whoever takes the initiative may become king.

 

 

               伐逆不伐顺 伐险不伐易

 

【原文】伐逆不伐顺，伐险不伐易，伐过不伐及。四封之内，以正使之；诸侯之会，以权致之。近而不服者，以地患之；远而不听者，以刑危之。一而伐之，武也；服而舍之，文也；文武具满，德也。《霸言》

 

【汉解】伐逆而不伐顺，伐险恶而不伐平易，伐太过头的而不伐落后的。本国之内，通过政令来驾驭；国外会集诸侯，运用权力来召集。对就近而不服从的国家，用侵削土地加害它；对离远而不听命的国家，用强大形势威胁它。背叛则征伐之，这是武；服从则赦免之，这是文。文武兼备，这才是德。

 

【英译】attack only those who opposed them and not those who were obedient; only those who posed a threat and not those who were compliant; only those who went to excess and not those who merely failed to come up to standard. Within the four boundaries, using political power to summon them. For those who were near at hand but refuse to submit, relied on seizure of their territory to make them suffer. For those who were far removed and disobedient, relied on punishments to threaten them. When the feudal lords were two-faced, the former kings responded in a military way by attacking them. When the feudal lords were submissive, the former kings responded in a civil way by leaving them alone. Both their military and civil responses were completely virtuous.  

 

                抟国不在敦古 理世不在善攻 霸王不在成曲

 

【原文】夫抟国不在敦古，理世不在善攻，霸王不在成曲。夫举失而国危，刑过而权倒，谋易而祸反，计得而强信，功得而名从，权重而令行，固其数也。《霸言》

 

【汉解】掌握国家不在于敦敬古道，治世不在于精通旧事，成王成霸不在于抄袭典故。举措失当国家就会危险，错过形势权力就会倾倒，谋事轻率则招祸，计划得宜则发挥强力，功得则名誉随之而来，权重则命令容易推行，这些都是规律性。

 

【英译】Now, control of a state does not lie merely in paying respect to tradition. Bringing order to a generation does not lie merely in being skilled in attack. Becoming a lord protector or king does not lie merely in perfecting regulations. Indeed, should their ventures fail, their states will be endangered. If their punishments are excessive, their political power will be toppled. If their stratagems are carelessly contrived, disasters will result. However, if their calculations are accurate, their strength will be reliable. If their achievements are real, fame will follow. If their political power is taken seriously, their orders will be carried out. Such is the grand scheme for ensuring security.

 

 

               夫争强之国 必先争谋 争刑 争权

 

【原文】夫争强之国，必先争谋，争刑，争权。令人主一喜一怒者，谋也；令国一轻一重者，刑也；令兵一进一退者，权也。故精于谋，则人主之愿可得，而令可行也；精干刑，则大国之地可夺，强国之兵可圉也；精于权，则天下之兵可齐，诸侯之君可朝也。《霸言》

 

【汉解】凡是争强的国家，必先竞争谋略，竞争形势，竟争权力。使人君有喜有怒，在谋略；使国家有轻有重，在形势；使军队有进有退，在权力。所以，精于谋略则人君的愿望可以实现，而号令可以推行；精于形势则大国土地可以夺取，而强国之兵可以包围；精于权力则天下的兵力可剪除，诸侯国的君主可以召见了。

 

【英译】Now, states that struggle to be stronger than others must first struggle in terms of stratagems, conditions and political power. Stratagems are what cause a ruler to be liked one moment and hated another. Conditions are what cause him to be taken lightly one moment and seriously another. Political power is what causes his armed forces to advance one moment and retreat another. Therefore, if he pays full attention to stratagems, his desires may be realized and his orders carried out. If he pays full attention to conditions, the territory of large countries may be seized and the armed forces of strong states contained.

              知形、知能、知意

 

【原文】人之众寡，士之精粗，器之功苦尽知之，此乃知形者也，知形不如知能，知能不如知意，故主兵必参具者也，主明、相知、将能之谓参具《地图》

 

【汉解】 人数的多少，士兵的精粗，武器的优劣，都应全部了解，这便是所谓“知形”。知形不如“知能”，知能不如“知意”。所以，用兵一定要具备三个条件。君主明、宰相智、将帅能，就叫作三个条件具备

 

【英译】They must know thoroughly the number of men, the bearing of their knights, and the quality of their weapons. This is to know the outward condition of the troops. To know their outward condition is not as good as knowing their ability, and knowing their ability is not as good as knowing their thoughts. Therefore three factors are necessary to command troops, namely, the intelligence of the ruler, the knowledge of his chief ministers, and the capacity of his generals.

 

 

            兵者尊主安国之经 不可废也

 

【原文】君之所以卑尊，国之所以安危者，莫要于兵。故诛暴国必以兵，禁辟民必以刑。然则兵者外以诛暴，内以禁邪。故兵者尊主安国之经也，不可废也。《参患》

 

【汉解】决定君主尊卑、国家安危的，没有比军队更重要的了。征伐暴国，必用军队；镇压坏人，必用刑杀。于是军队是对外用于征伐暴国，对内用于镇压坏人的。因此，军队是尊君安国的根本，不可废置。

 

【英译】Nothing is more important than the armed forces in determining whether a prince is despised or respected or whether his country is safe or endangered. The reason for this is that when punishing an aggressor state, it is necessary to use armed forces. When restraining perverse people, it is necessary to apply punishments. Thus the armed forces are used externally to punish aggression and internally to restrain wickedness. Therefore armed forces are the primary factor in ensuring respect for the ruler and the safety of the state. They are indispensable.

 

                治者所道富也

 

【原文】治者所道富也…;富者所道强也…，强者所道胜也….，胜者所道制也...。是故治国有器，富国有事，强国有数，胜国有理，制天下有分。《制分》

 

【汉解】治，可以导致国富…，富，可以导致国强…,强，可以导致胜利…，胜，可以导致控制天下…。所以，使国治要有军备，使国富要有生产，使国强要有措施，使国胜要有理，控制天下则要有纲领。

 

【英译】Maintaining order is the way to prosperity, Prosperity is the way to strength, Strength is the way to victory, Victory is the way to rule. For this reason there are weapons for maintaining order within the state, enterprises for making a state prosperous, stratagems for making a state strong, principles for making a state victorious, and the assignment of responsibilities for ruling the realm.

 

                      予之为取者 政之宝也

 

【原文】故刑罚繁而意不恐，则令不行矣。杀戮众而心不服，则上位危矣。故从其四欲，则远者自亲；行其四恶，则近者叛之，故知“予之为取者，政之宝也”。《牧民》

 

【汉解】刑罚繁重而人心不惧，法令就无法推行了；杀戮多行而人心不服，为君者的地位就危险了。因此，满足上述四种人民的愿望，疏远的自会亲近；强行上述四种人民厌恶的事情，亲近的也会叛离。由此可知，“予之于民就是取之于民” 这个原则，是治国的法宝。

 

【英译】Therefore punishment alone is not enough to terrify the minds of the people, nor is killing sufficient to make their hearts submissive. Thus, if punishments are numerous yet the minds of the people are not terrified, orders will not be carried out. If killing abounds, yet the hearts of the people are not submissive, the position the sovereign will be endangered. Therefore if the prince complies with their four desires, even those in distant places will of themselves rally around him. But if he imposes on them the four things they hate, then even those who are near at hand will turn against him. Thus knowing that “to give is to receive” is the most precious thing in government.   

                  能佚乐之 则民为之忧劳

 

【原文】能佚乐之，则民为之忧劳。能富贵之，则民为之贫贱。能存安之，则民为之危坠。能生育之，则民为之灭绝。故刑罚不足以畏其意，杀戮不足以服其心。《牧民》

 

【汉解】因为我能使人民安乐，他们就可以为我承受忧劳；我能使人民富贵，他们就可以为我忍受贫贱；我能使人民安定，他们就可以为我承担危难；我能使人民生育繁息，他们也就不惜为我而牺牲了。单靠刑罚不足以使人民真正害伯，仅凭杀戮不足以使人民心悦诚服

 

【英译】If the people can provide them with leisure and freedom from care, the people will be willing to endure trouble and toil for him. If he can provide them with riches and honor, they will be willing to endure poverty and low position for him. If he can ensure their existence and provide them with securities, they will be willing to endure danger and disaster for him. If he enables them to live and propagate, they will be willing to endure death and annihilation for him.

 

               天下高则高，天下下则下

【原文】夫善用本者，若以身济于大海，观风之所起。天下高则高，天下下则下。天下高我下，则财利税于天下矣.《地数》

 

【汉解】善于治国的人，就象大海行船一样，观察风势的起源，天下各国粮价高我们就高，粮价低我们就低。如果天下各国粮价高而我们独低，我们的财利就将被天下各国捞取去了。

 

【英译】Those who are skilled in utilizing their country’s resources act as if they were sailing a boat across the ocean and watch for the source of the wind. If prices in the rest of the empire are high, they raise theirs; if they are low, they lower theirs. If the rest of the empire maintains high prices while ours are kept low, those people will strip away our resources and benefits. 

                     务天时地利

【原文】不务天时，则财不生；不务地利，则仓廪不盈；野芜旷，则民乃菅，上无量，则民乃妄。文巧不禁，则民乃淫，不璋两原，则刑乃繁。《牧民》

【汉解】不注意天时，财富就不能增长；不注意地利，粮食就不会充足。田野荒芜废弃，人民也将由此而惰怠；君主挥霍无度，则人民胡作妄为；不注意禁止奢侈，则人民放纵淫荡；不堵塞这两个根源；犯罪者就会大量增多。

【英译】If you do not pay heed to the seasons of Heaven, wealth will not be produced. If you do not pay heed to the fruits of Earth, the granaries will not be full. If the wastelands are left wild and uncleared, The people will run about unrestrained. If those on high lack proper restraint, The people will behave recklessly. If the luxury and artfulness are not prohibited, The people will become licentious. If you do not keep the source of these two evils in check, Punishments will proliferate.

                         

                         无私可做官

【原文】故知时者，可立以为长。无私者，可置以为政。审于时而察于用，而能备官者，可奉以为君也。缓者后于事。吝于财者失所亲，信小人者失士。《牧民》

【汉解】所以，通晓天时的，可以任用为官长；没有私心的，可以安排作官吏；通晓天时，善于用财，而又能任用官吏的，就可以奉为君主了。处事迟钝的人，总是落后于形势；吝啬财物的人，总是无人亲近；偏信小人的人，总是失掉贤能的人材。

【英译】Therefore he who understands the times may be appointed head of an office. He who shows no partiality may be placed in charge of administration. He who examines the times, finds out what is applicable to them, and so is able fill his offices with men of ability, may be elevated as a prince. He who procrastinates will be too late in his undertakings. He who is stingy with wealth will lose those close to him. He who trusts petty men will lose gentlemen of worth.

                         万物于人，无私近远

【原文】 天道之极，远者自亲。人事之起，近亲造怨。万物之于人也，无私近也，无私远也；巧者有余，而拙者不足；其功顺天者天助之，其功逆天者天违之；天之所助，虽小必大；天之所违，虽成必败；顺天者有其功，逆天者怀其兇，不可复振也。 《形势》

【汉解】 顺天道去做，远者都会来亲近；事起于人为，近亲也要怨恨。万物之于人，是没有远近亲疏之分的。高明的人用起来就有余，愚笨的人用起来就不足。顺乎天道去做，天就帮助他；反乎天道去做，天就违背他。天之所助，弱小可以变得强大；天之所弃，成功可以变为失败。顺应天道的可以得其成效，违背天道的就要招致灾祸，且无可挽救。 。

【英译】When the way of Heaven is fulfilled, even those who are far off will of themselves seek close relationships with the ruler. But when the selfish affairs of men arise, even close relatives will harbor resentments. The myriad creatures, in their relationship to men, are equally impartial toward those near at hand and those far away. The clever will have a superabundance of things while the stupid will never have enough. Heaven will assist those whose efforts accord with it and oppose those whose efforts are contrary to it. Whatever Heaven  assist, even though small at first, is certain to become large. Whatever Heaven opposes, even though successful at first, is certain to fail. Those who accord with Heaven will retain their achievements. Those who act contrary to Heaven will embrace misfortune and cannot be saved. 

                          

                 凡治国之道 必先富民

【原文】凡治国之道，必先富民。民富则易治也，民贫则难治也。奚以知其然也？民富则安乡重家，安乡重家则敬上畏罪，敬上畏罪则易治也。民贫则危乡轻家，危乡轻家则敢凌上犯禁，凌上犯禁则难治也。《治国》

【汉解】大凡治国的道理，一定要先使人民富裕，人民富裕就容易治理，人民贫穷就难以治理。何以知其然？人民富裕就安于乡居而爱惜家园，安乡爱家就恭敬君上而畏惧刑罪，敬上畏罪就容易治理了。人民贫穷就不安于乡居而轻视家园，不安于乡居而轻家就敢于对抗君上而违犯禁令，抗上犯禁就难以治理了。

【英译】It is ever so that the way to maintain good order in a state is to be certain, first of all, to make its people prosperous. When the people are prosperous, they are easy to keep in order. When the people are poor, they are difficult to keep in order.  How do we know this? If people are prosperous, they will feel content in their local districts and treat their homes as very important. If so, they will respect their sovereign and be leery of committing crimes, then, they will be easy to keep in order.  If the people are poor, they will feel threatened in their districts and treat their homes lightly, they will dare to denigrate their sovereign and violate his prohibitions. If this occurs, they will be difficult to keep in order.

           粟多则国富

【原文】民事农则田垦，田垦则粟多，粟多则国富。国富者兵强，兵强者战胜，战胜者地广。是以先王知众民、强兵、广地、富国之必生于粟也。《治国》

【汉解】人民从事农业则土地得到开垦，土地开垦则粮食增加，粮食增加则国家富裕，国富则兵力可以强大，兵强则战争可以取胜，战胜则土地也就广阔了。因此，先代圣王懂得人口多、兵力强、国土广和国家富都一定来源于粮食。

【英译】 When people serve in agriculture, fields will be well cultivated. If fields are well cultivated, grain will become plentiful. If grain is plentiful, the state will prosper. If the state prospers, its armed forces will be strong. If the armed forces are strong, they will be victorious in battle. If they are victorious in battle, the state’s territory will expand. For this reason the former kings knew that having a large population, strong armed forces, extensive territory, and a prosperous state were certain to depend on grain.  

                 粟多则天下之物尽至矣

【原文】不生粟之国亡，粟生而死者霸，粟生而不死者王。粟也者，民之所归也；粟也者，财之所归也；粟也者，地之所归也。粟多则天下之物尽至矣。《治国》

【汉解】不生产粮食的国家要灭亡，生产粮食而吃光用尽的国家仅能称霸，生产粮食而又能食用不尽的国家才可以成其王业。粮食，能吸引人民；粮食，能招引财富；粮食，也能使领土开拓。粮食一多，则天下的物产都来了。

【英译】 The rulers of states that do not produce grain are lost. Those who produce grain but use it up become lord protectors. Those who produce grain and do not use it up become kings. Grain is what brings people, wealth, and territory. If grain is plentiful, the goods of the world will all arrive.

 

               凡牧民者 必知其疾

【原文】凡牧民者，必知其疾，而忧之以德，勿惧以罪，勿止以力。慎此四者，足以治民也。《小问》

【汉解】凡治理人民，一必须知其疾苦，二是要厚施德惠，三是不用刑罚恐吓，四是不用强力禁制。注意这四点，就可以治理好了。

【英译】 Whoever shepherds the people, must always be aware of their suffering, express his concern by being benevolent, and avoid terrifying them with punishments or restraining them with excessive force. If you pay attention to these four, it will be sufficient to maintain good order among the people.

                      问疾

【原文】所谓问疾者，凡国、都皆有掌病，士人有病者，掌病以上令问之。九十以上，日一问；八十以上，二日一问；七十以上，三日一问；众庶五日一问。疾甚者，以告上，身问之。《入国》 【汉解】所谓问病，就是在城市、国都要设有“掌病”的官，士民有病的，“掌病”以君主旨意慰问：九十岁以上的，每天一问；八十以上的，两天一问；七十以上，三天一问；一般病人，五天一问。病重者，向上报告，君主亲身慰问。

【英译】 Inquiring after the sick means that in the capital and all administrative centers there are officials charged with looking after the sick. When soldiers and people in general become ill, officials charged with looking after the sick shall, in accordance with orders from the sovereign, inquire after them. In the case of those who are over ninety, this inquiry shall take place once every day. For those who are over eighty, it shall take place once every two days,  and for those who are over seventy, it shall take place every three days. For ordinary people it shall take place once every five days. If the illness is very severe, it shall be reported to the sovereign who shall personally conduct his own inquiries.

                   谷贵则万物必贱

[原文】凡五谷者，万物之主也。谷贵则万物必贱，谷贱则万物必贵。两者为敌，则不俱平。《国蓄》

【汉解】粮食是万物之主。粮食价格高则万物必贱。粮价低则万物必贵。粮价与物价是互相对立的，而涨落不同。

【英译】 In general the five grains determine the value of all other things. Should grain be expensive, other things will be cheap; should grain be cheap, other things will be expensive. When the two vie with each other there can be no stability.

             顺天之时 约地之宜 忠人之和          

  【原文】春仁、夏忠、秋急、冬闭，顺天之时，约地之宜，忠人之和，故风雨时，五谷实，草木美多，六畜蕃息，国富兵强，民材而令行，内无烦扰之政，外无强敌之患也。《禁藏》

【汉解】春天仁慈，夏天忠厚，秋天严峻，冬天收闭，顺天时，管地宜，再合乎人和，就可以风调雨顺，五谷丰登，草木繁茂，六畜兴旺，国富兵强，人民富裕而法令通行，国内没有烦民扰民的政治，外部也没有强敌的祸患了。

【英译】Spring is for humaneness, summer for loyalty, autumn for expediency, and the winter for closing down activity. Since the ruler is in accord with the seasons of Heaven, conforms to what is suitable in respect to Earth, and cherishes harmony among men, the wind and rain are seasonable, the five grains ripen, plants and trees flourish, the six domestic animals multiply, the country prospers, the armed forces are strong, the people are talented, and orders are carried out. Internally there are no troublesome political problems; externally there are no disasters created by strong enemies.

【汉解】先爱国内，然后才可以憎恶国外的不善者；先安定卿大夫之“家”，然后才可以加害相邻的敌国。因此，先代明王一定要先有所立，然后才有所废；一定是先做兴利的事，然后才去做除害的事。

【英译】First, extend your love to everyone within your four boundaries. Then afterward you can exact your hatred against those evil persons who live outside your borders. First, stabilize the families of your minister of state and great officers. Then afterward you may threaten neighboring enemy countries. It was for this reason that the former kings were certain to set something up before they proceeded to tear anything down. It was also for this reason that they were certain to do something beneficial before proceeding to do harm.

【原文】信也者，民信之；忠也者，民怀之；严也者，民畏之；礼也者，民美之。语曰，泽命不渝，信也；非其所欲，勿施于人，仁也；坚中外正，严也；质信以让，礼也。《小问》

【汉解】守信用，人民就相信；行仁政，人民就怀德；严肃，人民就敬畏；有礼，人民就赞美。常语说，舍掉性命而不肯食言，就是信；非其所欲不强加于人，就是仁；内心坚定而仪表端正，就是严；诚信而谦让，就是礼。

【英译】If you are trustworthy, the people will believe in you. If you are humane, they will cherish you. If you are majestic in your deportment, they will stand in awe of you. If you posses rules of propriety, they will praise you. According to old saying, to give up one’s life rather than to violate a promise is what is meant by trustworthiness. Never to inflict on others what one would not wish for one’s self is what is meant by humaneness. To be firm within while outwardly correct is what is meant by being majestic in one’s deportment. To be completely trustworthy and self-effacing is what is meant by having rules of propriety.

【原文】古时候，圣王本厚民生，审知祸福之所生。是故慎小事微，违非索辩以根之。然则躁作、奸邪、伪诈之人，不敢试也。此礼正民之道也。《君臣下》

【汉解】圣明君主总是把提高人民生活作为根本，慎重了解祸福产生的原因。所以，对于微小的事情都十分谨慎，对于违法非法都详细辨别，并追究根底。这样，轻举妄动、奸邪和诈伪的人们就不敢尝试做坏事了。这正是规正人民的途径。

【英译】In ancient times, the sage kings treated the livelihood of the people as fundamental and carefully studied the causes of disaster and prosperity. For this reason, they treated minor details with care and distinguished right from wrong in order to get the root of matters. Hence people prone to reckless, evil, and deceitful behavior dared not attempt it. This is the way to institute propriety and rectify the people.

 

【汉解】心胸宽广而敞亮，意气宽舒而开阔，形体安定而不游移，能保持心意专一而摆脱各种骚扰，见利不被引诱，见害不生畏惧，心情宽舒而仁慈，自身能独得其乐，这些就叫作“运气”的功夫，而且意念的运行也好象升行在天空一样。

【英译】Expand your mind, and you will feel release. Deepen your breathing, and you will feel relaxed. Your form will be at ease and never restless. You will be able to focus your power of awareness, and dispose of the myriad minor irritations. On seeing profit, you will not be enticed. On seeing harm, you will not be frightened. Being relaxed and humane, you will find happiness within yourself. This is called setting in motion the vital force so that your awareness and action become like Heaven.

【汉解】吃得太多，就伤胃而身体不好；吃得太少，就骨枯而血液停滞。吃得多少适中，才可以实现舒和，使精气有所寄托，智慧能够生长。如果是饥饱失度，那就要设法解决。太饱了就要赶快活动，太饿了就要停止思考，老年人就更要免于思考。

【英译】With excessive gorging, the breath will be harmed and the form will be unable to hold it all. With excessive abstention, the bones will dry up and the blood will congeal. The middle ground between gorging and abstention is called moderation. It provides a place for the vital essence to dwell and for knowledge to develop. If hunger or overindulgence is excessive, deal with it in a planned manner. When too full, quickly move about; when hungry, relax your thoughts; when old, forget your worries.

【汉解】人的生命，一定要依靠欢畅。忧愁与恼怒—就会失去生命的正常秩序。心里有忧悲喜怒，“道”就无地可容。有了爱欲的杂念就应当平息它，有了愚乱的思想就应当改正它。不用人为地引来推去，幸福将自然地降临。道是自然到来的，人可以借助道的到来而予以谋虑，虚静就能得到道，急躁就会失掉道。

【英译】It is ever so that man’s life is certain to depend on his being content. Through sorrow he loses his guiding thread; through anger he loses his beginnings. In sorrow and melancholy, joy and anger, The Way can find no resting place. Love and desires—quiet them! Stupidity and confusion—rectify them! Do not pull! Do not push! Happiness will naturally be restored. That the Way will naturally come is something you can count on and plan for. If you are quiescent, you will obtain it.  If you move hastily, you will lose it.

【英译】Those who are skilled in government control the presence of wealth so that the people are naturally content. Without pushing them, they go; without pulling them, they come. Without trouble or worry, the people enrich themselves. It is like a bird sitting on its eggs: there is neither shape nor sound, but the young suddenly appear quite complete.

【汉解】凡人之常情，见利没有不追求的，见害没有不想躲避的。商人做买卖，一天赶两天的路，夜以继日，千里迢迢而不以为远，是因为利在前面。渔人下海，海深万仍，在那里逆流冒险，航行百里，昼夜都不出来，是因为利在水中。所以，利之所在，即使干仍的高山，人们也要上；即使深渊之下，人们也愿意进去。

【英译】Indeed, it is the nature of men that whenever they see profit, they cannot help chasing after it, and whenever they see harm, they cannot help running away. When the merchant engages in trade and travels twice the ordinary distance in a day, uses the night to extend the day, and covers a thousand li without considering it too far, it is because profit lies ahead. When the fisherman puts out to sea, the sea may be ten thousand –ren deep, and when he heads into its waves and struggles against its tides, raises his small mast and sails out a hundred li, never leaving the water from morning to night, it is because profit lies in the water. Thus, wherever profit lies, even though it be atop a thousand-ren peak, there is no place people will not climb. Even though it is at the bottom of the deepest depth, there is no place people will not enter. 

【原文】誉不虚出，而患不独生，福不择家，祸不索人，此之谓也。能以所闻瞻察，则事必明矣。《禁藏》

【汉解】荣誉不凭空出现，忧患不无故发生，幸福不挑选人家，灾祸不自动找到人的头上，就是这个意思。能用自己的亲身见闻探察反省，事情就清楚了。

【英译】Fame does not spring from nothing, nor does calamity have a single cause; good fortune does not seek out individual families, nor is disaster tied to individual men—the same idea is being expressed. Matters will certainly become clear if one is able to use what one has personally heard and seen to reflect on this.

【原文】故適身行义，俭约恭敬，其唯无福，祸亦不来矣；骄傲侈泰，离度绝理，其唯无祸，福亦不至矣。是故君于上观绝理者以自恐也，下观不及者以自隐也。《禁藏》

【汉解】所以，克制自身，遵行仪法，再加上节约谨慎，即使不会得福，也不至于灾祸临头。骄傲奢侈，背离法度，违反常理，即使没有祸害，幸福也不会来临。因此。君子一方面要从违背常理的人身上记取教训，警惕自己；另一方面又要从努力不足的人身上取得借鉴，而自行反省。

【英译】Therefore, if one makes the self do what is appropriate and carries out one’s duties, ifs frugal and respectful, even if one does not become rich, disaster will certainly not strike. If one is arrogant and extravagant, violates proper measure and stifles reason, even if one escapes disaster, one will certainly not become rich. Consequently, the virtuous prince, on high, observes those who stifled reason as a warning to himself. Below, he observes those who were not successful as a check on himself. 

【原文】不作无补之功，不为无益之事，故意定而不营气情。气情不营则耳目穀、衣食足；耳目穀、衣食足，则侵争不生，怨怒无有，上下相亲，兵刃不用矣。《禁藏》

【汉解】不要搞没有意义的工作，不要做无益的事情，这样就意气安定，思想感情不受迷惑。思想感情不受迷惑则耳目聪明、衣食丰足；耳聪目明、衣食丰足，就不会彼此争夺，不会互相怨怒，上下可以相亲，用不着动用武力了。

【英译】By not expending useless effort or engaging in meaningless activity, one’s thoughts become settled and one does not let one’s vital force and true nature become preoccupied[with material things]. If one’s vital force and true nature are not thus preoccupied, one’s ears and eyes will be sharp and clear and one’s clothing and food sufficient. If ears and eyes are sharp and clear and clothing and food are sufficient, aggression will not occur and resentment will not exist. Those on high and those below will draw close together and there will be no need for the use of armed force.

              得所欲则乐  逢所恶则忧

 

【原文】凡人之情：得所欲则乐，逢所恶则忧，此贵贱之所同有也。近之不能勿欲，远之不能勿忘，人情皆然，而好恶不同，各行所欲，而安危异焉，然后贤不肖之形见也。《禁藏》

【汉解】人的常情是：满足了要求就高兴，碰上厌恶之事就忧愁，这是不论地位高低的人都如此的。对接近的东西不能不追求，对远离的东西不能不遗忘，人情也莫不如此。然而每个人的好恶不同，各行所好，结局的安危则不一样，这里就区别出贤、不肖来了。

【英译】It is always so in human nature that when people obtain what they desire, they are happy, but when they meet with something they dislike, they are distressed. This is the same whether their position be high or low. What is near at hand, they are bound to desire; what is beyond their grasp, they are bound to dislike. Human nature is always thus, but likes and dislikes differ. Each person acts according to individual desires, but the degree of safety and danger differs, and afterward of the person’s worthiness or unworthiness manifests itself.

【原文】凡心之刑，自充自盈，自生自成。其所以失之，必以忧乐喜怒欲利。能去忧乐喜怒欲利，心乃反济。彼心之情，利安以宁，勿烦勿乱，和乃自成。《内业》

【汉解】心的形体，它本身就能自然充实，自然生成。它之所以有所损伤，必然是由于忧、乐、喜、怒、嗜欲和贪利。能除掉忧、乐、喜、怒、嗜欲和贪利，心又可以回到完满的状态。心的特性，最需要安定和宁静，保持不烦不乱，心的和谐就可以自然形成。

【英译】 It is ever so that the mind’s gestalt is naturally full and naturally replete, naturally born and naturally perfected. Should its function be impaired, it is certain to be due to sorrow and happiness, joy and anger, desire and profit seeking. If we can rid ourselves of sorrow and happiness, joy and anger, desire and profit seeking, the mind will revert to its flawless state. The mind’s inner reality is benefited by rest and quiet. Avoid being harassed or confused, and its harmony will naturally be complete. 

【原文】心无他图，正心在中，万物得度。…我心治，官乃治，我心安，官乃安。治之者心也，安之者心也。《内业》

【汉解】心别无所图，只一个平正的心在里面，对待万物就会有正确标准。…我的心能平定，五官就会平定；我的心能安静，五官就会安静。平定要由心，安静也要由心。

【英译】Your ears and eyes will never go astray, nor your mind become occupied with irrelevant concerns. When a stable mind lies within, all things attain their proper measure. … When our minds are well regulated, our sense organs are also well regulated. When our minds are at ease, our sense organs are also at ease. What regulates them is the mind; what sets them at ease is the mind.

【原文】使法择人，不自举也；使法量功，不自度也。故能匿而不可蔽，败而不可饰也；誉者不能进，而诽者不能退也。然则君臣之间明别，明别则易治也，主虽不身下为，而守法为之可也。 《明法》

【汉解】用法度录取人材，自己并不推荐；用法度计量功劳，自己并不裁定。所以贤能不可能被掩蔽，败类也不可能伪装；夸誉者不能进用人，诽谤者也不可能罢免人。这样，君臣的界限就分明了，分明就容易治理，因为君主虽不自身下去办事，依靠法度去办就行了

【英译】Selecting men on the basis of law and did not depend on their own judgments when elevating them. Assessing merit on the basis of law and did not depend on their own judgments to make decisions. Therefore, the able could not be concealed and the corrupt could not disguise their actions. Those who would praise the unworthy were not able to advance; those who would slander the worthy were not able to retreat. Such being the case, ruler and minister were clearly separated, and since this separation was clear, good order was easily maintained. Even though the ruler did not himself conduct activities below, by upholding the law, things were properly done.

【汉解】不急于创始，不急于作新，等到条件成熟再随之行事。不可以个人好恶损害公正原则。要调查了解人民之所恶，以便自身为戒。黄帝建立明台的咨议制度，就是为了从上面搜集贤士的意见；尧实行衢室的询问制度，也是为了从下面听取人们的呼声；

【英译】Don’t rush to create things; don’t rush to carry things through, When the time is ripe, act accordingly, and never, on account of personal likes or dislikes, violate the principle of impartiality. Examine what the people hate and take it as a warning. Huang Di set up the discussions at the Ming Tai(Bright Tower) so that he could observe those who were worthy from on high. Yao conducted the queries in the Qu Shi(Crossroads Lyceum) so that below he could listen to the people.

                     

                    玉贵九德

【汉解】 玉所以贵重，是因为它表现有九种品德。温润而有光泽，是它的仁。清澈而有纹理，是它的“智”。坚硬而不屈缩，是它的义。清正而不伤人，是它的品节。鲜明而不垢污，是它的纯洁。可折而不可屈，是它的勇。缺点与优点都可以表现在外面，是它的诚实。华美与光泽相互渗透而不互相侵犯，是它的宽容。敲击起来，其声音清扬远闻，纯而不乱，是它的有条理。

【英译】The reason for jade being valued is that it manifests the nine virtues. Now its warmth, luster, and smoothness are its humaneness. Its closeness of texture and clear markings are its wisdom. Its hardness and inflexibility are its righteousness. Being sharp but not harmful is its good conduct. Its freshness and unsulliedness are its purity of mind. That it may be broken but not bent is its bravery. Having all its cracks and flaws readily apparent is its sincerity. Its rich elegance and glossy smoothness reflecting, but not detracting from, each other is its tolerance. When struck, its sound being clear and distinct, penetrating, yet simple and uncluttered is its refinement of expression.

【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.

【原文】明君顺人心，安情性，而发于众心之所聚。是以令出而不稽，刑设而不用。先王善与民为一体。与民为一体，则是以国守国，以民守民也。然则民不便为非矣。《君臣上》

【汉解】英明的君主，顺从人心，适应人的性情，行事都从众人共同关心的地方出发。这样，命令布置下去，就不会阻碍；刑罚设置了，却用不着。先王就是善于同人民合成一体的。与民一体，那就是用国家保卫国家，用人民保卫人民，人民当然就不去为非作歹了。

【英译】The enlightened prince accords with the hearts of the people., is at ease with their nature, and proceeds from a consensus of the masses. Hence, his orders are put forth with no resistance while punishments are established but not applied. The former kings were skilled at being as one with the people. Since they were as one with their people, they relied on their state to preserve their state and their people to preserve their people.  This being so, the people would not easily commit wrongs.

【原文】人之可杀，以其恶死也；其可不利，以其好利也。是以君子不休乎好，不迫乎恶，恬愉无为，去智与故。其应也，非所设也；其动也，非所取也。过在自用，罪在变化。《心术上》

【汉解】人可以用杀戮来镇压，这是因为他们怕死；可以用不利之事来阻止，这是因为他们贪利。所以君子不被爱好之事所诱惑，不被厌恶之事所胁迫，安愉无为，消除了智谋和故巧。他的处事，不是出于他自己的主观筹划；他的行动，不是出于他自己的主观择取。有过错在于自以为是，发生罪过在于妄加变化。

【英译】Men may be executed because they dislike death. They may be deprived of profit because they like profit. Thus, the man of quality is not to be enticed by something he likes nor oppressed by what he dislikes. He is contented and nonassertive, rejecting wisdom and pretense. When responding to things, he does not have any preconceptions. When making a move, he does not jump to conclusions. Mistakes are inherent in relying on one’s own opinions. Crimes are inherent in forcing change. 

【原文】圣人之诺已也，先论其理义，计其可否。义则诺，不义则已；可则诺，不可则已。故其诺未尝不信也。小人不义亦诺，不可亦诺，言而必诺。故其诺未必信也。故曰：“必诺之言，不足信也。 【形势解》

【汉解】人对一件事情的承诺与否，首先问它是否合于理义，并估计其可能性。合于“义”则承诺，不合于“义”则不承诺；有可能则承诺，没有可能则作罢。所以他的诺言没有不兑现的。小人则是不义也承诺，没有可能也承诺，一张口就一定承诺。所以他的诺言是未必兑现的。所以说：“必诺之言，不足信也。”

【英译】When the sage makes promises, he first discusses their nature and rightness, and estimates their possibilities. If right, he makes the promise; if not, he refrains. If possible, he makes the promise; if not, he refrains. Therefore his promises are always trustworthy. But a petty person will still make a promise even though it is not right or possible. Whenever he speaks, he is certain to promise. Therefore his promises are not always to be trusted.

【原文】为人君者，修官上之道，而不言其中；为人臣者，比官中之事，而不言其外。君道不明，则受令者疑；权度不一，则修义者惑。《君臣上》

【汉解】做人君的，要讲求统属众官的方法，而不要干预众官职责以内的事务；做人臣的，要处理职责以内的事，而不要干预到职责以外去。君道不明，奉令干事的人就发生疑虑；权限不划一，奉公守法的人就感到迷惑。

【英译】The true prince cultivates a way of remaining above the various offices and not discussing their internal affairs. True ministers coordinate the internal affairs of the various offices but do not discuss matters lying outside them. If the way of the prince is not clear, those who receive his orders will be in doubt. If political power and procedure are not unified, those who practice righteousness will be led away.  

【原文】令重于宝，社稷先于亲戚，法重于民，威权贵于爵禄。故不为重宝轻号令，不为亲戚后社稷，不为爱民枉法律，不为爵禄分威权。故曰：势非所以予人也。《法法》

【汉解】 政令重于宝物，政权先于至亲，法度重于人民，威权重于爵禄。所以，不可为重宝而看轻政令，不可为至亲而把国家政权放在后面，不能为爱民而歪曲法律，不能为爵禄而分让权威。所以说：权势是不能给予他人的。

【英译】Orders are more precious than jewels. The altars to Land and Grain take precedence over family relations. The laws are more important than the people. Prestige and power are more to be valued than ranks and salaries. Thus, do not disregard orders because of precious jewels. Do not consider your altars to Land and Grain secondary because of family relations. Do not twist laws and statutes because of love for the people. Do not share your prestige and power because of ranks and salaries. Therefore it is said:”Your position of authority is not something to be granted to others. 

【汉解】上考度天时，下考度地利，中考度人和。所以说：要审度时机来举办大事，用举事发动人民，用人民发动国力，用一国发动天下。所以，人民必须懂得权衡轻重，然后才举措得当。因此说：权衡轻重这一点，不可不善加考度。

【英译】Above there is the auspiciousness of Heaven, below the suitable of Earth, and in the middle the submissiveness of man…..Pay attention to the seasons of Heaven to initiate undertakings. Use undertakings to move the people, the people to move the state, and the state to move the realm. Now, once the people are certain to know the meaning of political power, what you initiate will be accomplished. Therefore, it is said:” Political power must be based on these considerations.”

【汉解】得人的方法，莫如给人以利益；而给人以利益的方法，莫如用实际政绩来证明。所以，善于为政的，总是田地开垦而城邑殷实，朝廷安闲而官府清治，公法通行而邪道废止，仓库充实而监狱空虚，贤人得用而奸臣罢退。

【英译】The ways of winning the hearts of men, nothing is as good as benefiting them. Among the ways of benefiting them, nothing is as good as teaching them. Therefore, the sovereign who is skilled in conducting his government has well-developed fields and his capital city and towns are well populated. His court is calm and his offices well run. Public laws are carried out while individual crookedness is prevented. The granaries are full and the jails empty. Worthy men come forward while, wicked people retreat.

   【原文】 商贾在朝，则货财上流；妇言人事，则赏罚不信；男女无别，则民无廉耻；货财上流，赏罚不信，民无廉耻，而求百姓之安难，兵士之死节，不可得也 《权修》

 

【汉解】 商人在朝中掌权，财货贿赂就流往上层；妇人参与政事，赏功罚过就不能准确；男女没有界限，人民就不知廉耻。在货财上流、赏罚不信、民无廉耻的情况下，要求百姓为国家甘冒危难，兵士为国家献身死节，是办不到的。

 

【英译】If merchants and traders are received at court, goods and wealth will flow upward in the form of bribes. If women have a voice in the affairs of men, rewards and punishments will not be reliable. If men and women are not segregated, the people will have neither a sense of integrity nor a sense of shame. If goods and wealth flow upward, rewards and punishments are unreliable, and the people have neither a sense of integrity nor a sense of shame, it is impossible to expect either the hundred surnames to remain steadfast in times of trouble or the troops to be willing to sacrifice their lives.

【汉解】不注意天时，财富就不能增长；不注意地利，粮食就不会充足。田野荒芜废弃，人民也将由此而惰怠；君主挥霍无度，则人民胡作妄为；不注意禁止奢侈，则人民放纵淫荡；不堵塞这两个根源；犯罪者就会大量增多。

【英译】 If you do not pay heed to the seasons of Heaven, wealth will not be produced. If you do not pay heed to the fruits of Earth, the granaries will not be full. If the wastelands are left wild and uncleared, The people will run about unrestrained. If those on high lack proper restraint, The people will behave recklessly. If the luxury and artfulness are not prohibited, The people will become licentious. If you do not keep the source of these two evils in check, Punishments will proliferate.