| |
Original |
Legge's
Translation |
Susuki's
Translation |
Goddard's
Translation |
| 1 |
太上，下不知有之﹔其次，親而譽之﹔ |
In the highest antiquity, (the people) did not know that there
were (their rulers). In the next age they loved them
and praised
them. In the next they feared them; in the next they
despised them.
|
Of great rulers the subjects do not notice the existence. To lesser ones people
are attached; they praise them. Still lesser ones people
fear, and the meanest ones people despise.
|
When great men rule, subjects know little of their existence. Rulers who are
less great win the affection and praise of their subjects.
A common ruler is feared by his subjects, and an unworthy
ruler is despised. |
| 2 |
其次，畏之﹔其次，侮之。信不足
焉， |
Thus it was that when faith (in the Dao) was deficient (in the rulers) a want
of faith in them ensued (in the people).
|
For it is said: "If your faith be insufficient, verily, you will receive no faith."
|
When a ruler lacks faith, you may seek in vain for it among his subjects.
|
| 3 |
有不信焉。悠兮其貴言。功成事遂，百姓皆謂：「我自然」。 |
How irresolute did those (earliest rulers) appear, showing (by their reticence)
the importance which they set upon their words!
Their work was done and their undertakings were successful, while the people
all said, 'We are as we are, of ourselves!' |
How reluctantly they [the great rulers] considered their words! Merit they accomplished;
deeds they performed; and the hundred families thought: "We are independent." |
How carefully a wise ruler chooses his words. He performs deeds, and accumulates
merit! Under such a ruler the people think they are
ruling themselves. |
