《菜根谭》英译（忧勤勿过、待人勿枯）

忧勤是美德，太苦则无以适性怡情；澹泊是高风，太枯是无以济人利物。<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Exerting yourself to do a good job is a fine moral trait. But if you make yourself too miserable in the process, then your own ease of mind becomes impossible. Indifference to wealth and power is a noble quality. But if you are a bit too passive, then you will not be able to assist people or to benefit society.

（保罗·怀特 译）

To spare no effort in performing one’s duties is a good virtue; but if one overstrains oneself in doing so, it will be of no help to cheering the mind and pleasing the feelings. To preserve a pure heart and few desires is a noble character; but if overdone, it will be of no worth for the benefit of the people and of the world.