《朱子家训》英译

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Maxims by Zhu Zi

 

黎明即起，洒扫庭除，要内外整洁；既昏便息，关锁门户，必亲自检点。

 

Get up at dawn and sweep the courtyard, so that the house is clean inside and outside. Rest early at night. Check personally that the doors and windows are properly shut.

 

一粥一饭，当思来处不易；半丝半缕，恒念物力维艰。

 

When you eat, remember that food is the product of hard work. When you put on clothes, keep in mind that materials do not come by easily.

 

宜未雨而绸缪，毋临渴而掘井。

 

One should repair the house before it rains and not start digging a well when he already feels thirsty.

 

自奉必须俭约，宴客切勿流连。

 

Be thrifty in satisfying your own needs, but generous in hosting a reception.

 

器具质而洁，瓦缶胜金玉；饭食约而精，园蔬逾珍馐。

 

Utensils used in the house should be plain and clean. Earthenware is better than those made of jade and gold. Meals need not be sumptuous; finely prepared, simple vegetables can be better than rare delicacies.

 

勿营华屋，勿谋良田。

 

Do not construct extravagant mansions; do not try to gain fertile farmland.

 

三姑六婆，实淫盗之媒；婢美妾娇，非闺房之福。

 

Matchmakers and sorceresses are agents of vice. Pretty maids and a charming wife need not be a blessing.

 

奴仆勿用俊美，妻妾切忌艳妆。

 

Do not judge by physical appearance when hiring servants. It is well with you even if your wife and maids look plain without make-up.

 

祖宗虽远，祭祀不可不诚；子孙虽愚，经书不可不读。

 

Even if ancestors are far removed from us, we should offer sacrifices with reverence. Even if your children are slow-witted, you should still instruct them in the Confucian classics.

 

居身务期质朴，教子要有义方。

 

Strive to lead a simple and thrifty life; through such example your children will learn the principles of living.