第33章 贫贱不能移 富贵要济世

Remain unyielding when poor;be useful to the world when rich.

贫贱非辱，贫贱而谄求于人者为辱；富贵非荣，富贵而利济于世者为荣。讲大经纶[1]，只是实实落落；有真学问，决不怪怪奇奇。

中文注释

[1]大经纶：经纶，本意为经过整理的蚕丝。此处喻规划、管理政治的才能。大经纶也即满腹经纶之意。

今文解译

贫贱不是耻辱，但因为贫贱而去低三下四地乞求别人，这才是耻辱。

富贵不是荣耀，但富贵的同时还能慷慨解囊救助世人，这才是荣耀。

满腹经纶的人，只有奉献出自己的聪明才智才名副其实。真正有知识和学问的人，绝对不会装模作样、故弄玄虚。

English Translation

It's not a shame to be poor and humble,but so indeed if one has resort to others in a way of degrading oneself because of poverty and humbleness.

It's not an honor to be wealthy and influential,but so indeed if one does something good and useful to the world with the wealth and influence of his own.

A man full of wisdom and ability can only be so called when he earnestly dedicates what he has in mind.

A man who is really well versed in knowledge and learning will never behave in a queer way.