《菜根谭》英译（原其初心、观其末路）

事穷势蹙之人，当原其初心；功成行满之士，要观其末路。<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

When judging a person who has encountered misfortune and hardships, it is necessary to understand the aspirations and ambitions he set out with. When judging a person who has achieved success, it is necessary to examine whether he maintains his moral integrity in his old age.

（保罗·怀特 译）

To judge a man who has suffered failure and is now down and out, it is better to look into his original intentions at the outset. To comment on a man who has made complete success, it is better to examine his integrity in the last past of his life.