知足者富,强行者有志。不失其所者久,死而不亡者寿。
《老子》第33章
He who is content is rich; he who acts with persistence has will ;he who does not lose his roots will endure; he who dies physically but preserves the Tao will enjoy a long life.
[注释]
强行:坚持实行的意思。不失其所:不丧失其本性的意思。死而不亡:意即精神不死,永垂不朽的意思。这是老子讲精神修养的话,他认为“知足”固然重要,而“强行”尤其重要。
[译文]
知道满足的人是富有的,坚持力行才是有志气的人。不违背道的规律的人能够长久,身死而精神永存的人才算长寿。