修身齐家治国平天下

译者： Janteng

修身齐家治国平天下

Start With Yourself  

从自己做起

Author Unknown  

 

    

 

  

 

 When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

 当我年轻自由的时候,我的想象力没有任何局限,我梦想改变这个世界.当我渐渐成熟明智的时候,我发现这个世界是不可能改变的,于是我将眼光放得短浅了一些,那就只改变我的国家吧.

But, it too, seemed immovable.

 但是我的国家似乎也是不能改变的.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. 

 当我到了迟暮之年,抱着最后一丝努力的希望,我决定只改变我的家庭,我亲近的人,但是,唉!他们根本不接受改变.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed my self first, then by example I would have changed my family.

 现在在我临终之时,我才突然意识到如果起初我只改变自己,接着我就可以依此改变我的家人.

From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world. 

 在他们的激发和鼓励下,我可能就能改善我的国家,接下来,谁又知道呢,也许我连整个世界都可以改变.