原文
曾子曰:“以能问于不能,以多问于寡;有若无,实若虚,犯而不校——昔者吾友①尝从事于斯矣。”
译文
A disciple of Confucius remarked, "Gifted himself, yet seeking to learn from the ungifted; possessing much information himself, yet seeking it from others possessing less; rich himself in the treasures of his mind, yet appearing as though he were poor; profound himself, yet appearing as though he were superficial: — I once had a friend who thus spent his life."
评论
文中,“能”与“不能”,辜鸿铭译为有无“天赋”(gifted/ungifted);“多”与“寡”,则译为获得学问之多少(possessing much information/less);“有”与“无”,指思想财富的丰富与贫乏(rich in the treasures of mind/poor);“实”与“虚”,指见解的深刻与肤浅(profound/ superficial)。