第8章 · 原文
现代白话译文
最高尚的品德像水一样。水善于滋润万物而不与万物相争，停留在众人都不喜欢的低洼之处，所以最接近于道。居处善于选择地方，心境善于保持沉静，待人善于真诚相爱，说话善于遵守信用，为政善于精简处理，处事善于发挥所长，行动善于掌握时机。正因为他不争，所以没有过失。
英文译本 / English Translations
D.C. Lau
Highest good is like water. Because water excels in benefiting the myriad creatures without contending with them and settles where none would like to be, it comes close to the way. In a home it is the site that matters; In quality of mind it is depth that matters; In an ally it is benevolence that matters; In speech it is good faith that matters; In government it is order that matters; In affairs it is ability that matters; In action it is timeliness that matters. It is because it does not contend that it is never at fault.
Robert Henricks
1. The highest good is like water; 2. Water is good at benefiting the ten thousand things and yet it [does not] compete [with them]. 3. It dwells in places the masses of people detest, 4. Therefore it is close to the Way. 5. In dwelling, the good thing is the land; 6. In the mind, the good thing is depth; 7. In giving, the good thing is [being like] Heaven; 8. In speaking, the good thing is sincerity; 9. In governing, the good thing is order; 10. In affairs, the good thing is ability; 11. In activity, the good thing is timeliness. 12. It is only because it does not compete, that therefore it is without fault.
Addiss & Lombardo
The best of people is like water, it helps all things and doesn't compete, it stays in places that others scorn. So it is like the Way. In dwelling, it grounds itself in the good earth. In thinking, it deepens in what can't be known. In giving, it's kind. In speaking, it's sincere. In governing, it's orderly. In working, it's capable. In moving, it's timely. And because it doesn't compete, it has no blame.
Arthur Waley
The highest good is like that of water. The goodness of water is that it benefits the ten thousand creatures; Yet itself does not scramble, But is content with the places that all men disdain. It is this makes water so near to the Way. And if men think the ground the best place for building a house upon, If among thoughts they value those that are profound, If in friendship they value gentleness, In words, truth; in government, good order; In deeds, effectiveness; in actions, timeliness - In each case it is because they prefer what does not lead to strife, And therefore does not go amiss.
林语堂
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Stephen Mitchell
The supreme good is like water, which nourishes all things without trying to. It is content with the low places that people disdain. Thus it is like the Tao. In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present. When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.