第17章 · 原文
现代白话译文
最好的统治者，人民并不知道他的存在；其次的统治者，人民亲近他并且称赞他；再次的统治者，人民畏惧他；更次的统治者，人民轻蔑他。统治者的诚信不足，人民才不相信他。最好的统治者是多么悠闲，他很少发号施令。功业成就了，百姓都说：我们本来就是这样的。
英文译本 / English Translations
D.C. Lau
The best of all rulers is but a shadowy presence to his subjects. Next comes the ruler they love and praise; Next comes one they fear; Next comes one with whom they take liberties. When there is not enough faith, there is lack of good faith. Hesitant, he does not utter words lightly. When his task is accomplished and his work done The people all say, 'It happened to us naturally.'
Robert Henricks
1. With the highest [kind of rulers], those below simply know they exist. 2. With those one step down — they love and praise them. 3. With those one further step down — they fear them. 4. And with those at the bottom — they ridicule and insult them. 5. When trust is insufficient, there will be no trust [in them]. 6. Hesitant, undecided! Like this is his respect for speaking.
Addiss & Lombardo
The best rulers are unknown to their people. The next best are loved and praised. The next are feared. The next are despised. When trust is lacking, there is distrust. Reluctant, they do not speak. When their work is done and affairs successful, the people all say, 'We did it ourselves.'
Arthur Waley
Of the highest the people merely know that such a one exists; The next they draw near to and praise. The next they shrink from, intimidated; but revile. Truly, "It is by not believing people that you turn them into liars". But from the Sage it is so hard at any price to get a single word That when his task is accomplished, his work done, Throughout the country every one says: "It happened of its own accord".
林语堂
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Stephen Mitchell
When the Master governs, the people are hardly aware that he exists. Next best is a leader who is loved. Next, one who is feared. The worst is one who is despised. If you don't trust the people, you make them untrustworthy. The Master doesn't talk, he acts. When his work is done, the people say, "Amazing: we did it, all by ourselves!"