《菜根谭》是元末明初道人洪应明收集编著的一部论述修养、人生、处世、出世的语录世集。本节大意：清廉而有容忍的雅量，仁慈而又能当机立断，精明而不防害细察，刚正而又不至执撒，这种道理就像蜜饯虽然浸在糖里即不过分的甜，海产的鱼虾虽然腌在缸里却不过分的咸，一个人要能把持住不偏不倚的尺度才算是处人 做事的美德。

《菜根谭》（穷当益工、不失风雅）

贫家勤扫地，贫女净梳头，景色虽不艳丽，气度自是风雅。士君子一当穷愁寥落，奈何辄自废弛哉？

The poor man sweeps his floor until it is spotless. The poor woman combs her hair until it is neat and tidy. Neither produces a wonderful sight, but these actions bespeak a sensibility of elegance. So how can a man of learning get downhearted when he encounters poverty and misfortune, and abandon his ambitions?

（保罗·怀特 译）

The housewife of a poor family sweeps the floor frequently and its daughter combs her hair neatly and cleanly. Although there is neither luxury furniture nor brilliant ornaments, it is still full of natural grace and simple elegance. How can a man of learning be lightly self-abandoned the very moment he encounters destitution and desolation?

（周文标 译）

The poor family always sweep their house clean, and the poor girl always combs her hair neat: though they do not look bright or beautiful, there is still some elegance about them. Why then should the junzi gentleman, when poor and wretched, easily give himself up?

（蒋坚松 译）

更多精品翻译素材，敬请关注可可英语。