传播国学经典 养育华夏儿女
1. In the highest antiquity1, (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. Thus it was that when faith (in the Tao) was deficient2 (in the rulers) a want of faith in them ensued (in the people).
2. How irresolute3 did those (earliest rulers) appear, showing (by their reticence) the importance which they set upon their words! Their work was done and their undertakings4 were successful, while the people all said, 'We are as we are, of ourselves!'
太上，不知有之;
其次，亲之、誉之;
其次，畏之;
其次，侮之。
信不足焉，有不信焉，悠兮其贵言。
功成事遂，百姓皆谓"我自然"。
【译文】
最好的统治者，人们觉察不到他的存在。
其次的统治者，人们亲近他、赞誉他。
再次的统治者，人们畏惧他。
最次的统治者，人们轻侮他。
威信有所缺损，就会导致整个威信架构的倒塌，闲着点吧，慎作仗名立言之事。最好是一切事情都办理妥当了，百姓们却说"我们是自然而然的"。
1 antiquity
n.古老；高龄；古物，古迹
参考例句：
The museum contains the remains of Chinese antiquity.博物馆藏有中国古代的遗物。
There are many legends about the heroes of antiquity.有许多关于古代英雄的传说。
2 deficient
adj.不足的，不充份的，有缺陷的
参考例句：
The crops are suffering from deficient rain.庄稼因雨量不足而遭受损害。
I always have been deficient in selfconfidence and decision.我向来缺乏自信和果断。
3 irresolute
adj.无决断的，优柔寡断的，踌躇不定的
参考例句：
Irresolute persons make poor victors.优柔寡断的人不会成为胜利者。
His opponents were too irresolute to call his bluff.他的对手太优柔寡断,不敢接受挑战。
4 undertakings
企业( undertaking的名词复数 )； 保证； 殡仪业； 任务
参考例句：
The principle of diligence and frugality applies to all undertakings. 勤俭节约的原则适用于一切事业。
Such undertakings require the precise planning and foresight of military operations. 此举要求军事上战役中所需要的准确布置和预见。
