第53章 · 原文
现代白话译文
假如我稍微有些知识，就在大道上行走，唯恐走入了邪路。大道很平坦，但人君却喜欢走小路。朝政非常腐败，农田非常荒芜，仓库非常空虚；穿着华丽的衣服，佩戴锋利的宝剑，吃腻精美的饮食，占有过多的财货；这叫作强盗头子。这是无道啊！
英文译本 / English Translations
D.C. Lau
Were I possessed of the least knowledge, I would, when walking on the great way, fear only paths that lead astray. The great way is easy, yet people prefer by-paths. The court is corrupt, The fields are overgrown with weeds, The granaries are empty; Yet there are those dressed in fineries, With swords at their sides, Filled with food and drink, And possessed of too much wealth. This is known as taking the lead in robbery. Far indeed is this from the way.
Robert Henricks
1. Were I to have the least bit of knowledge, in walking on a Great Rod, it's only going astray that I would fear. 2. The Great Way is very level; 3. But people greatly delight in tortuous paths. 4. The courts are swept very clean; 5. While the fields are full of weeds; 6. And the granaries are all empty. 7. Their clothing — richly embroidered and colored; 8. While at their waists they carry sharp swords. 9. They gorge themselves on food, and of possessions and goods they have plenty. 10. This is called thievery! 11. And thievery certainly isn't the Way!
Addiss & Lombardo
If I have slight knowledge, walking the great way, I only fear deviation. The great way is very level, but people love shortcuts. When the court is corrupt, the fields are overgrown, the granaries are empty, yet some wear embroidered clothes and carry sharp swords, gorge on food and drink, and have wealth in surplus. This is called robbery and extravagance, not the way.
Arthur Waley
He who has the least scrap of sense, Once he has got started on the great highway has nothing to fear So long as he avoids turnings. For great highways are safe and easy. But men love by-paths. So long as Court is in order They are content to let their fields run to weed And their granaries stand empty. They wear patterns and embroideries, Carry sharp swords, glut themselves with drink and food, Have more possessions than they can use. These are the riotous ways of brigandage; they are not the Highway.
林语堂
This version is not yet available.
Stephen Mitchell
The great Way is easy, yet people prefer the side paths. Be aware when things are out of balance. Stay centered within the Tao. When rich speculators prosper While farmers lose their land; when government officials spend money on weapons instead of cures; when the upper class is extravagant and irresponsible while the poor have nowhere to turn- all this is robbery and chaos. It is not in keeping with the Tao.