《菜根谭》英译（欲路勿染、理路勿退）

欲路上事，毋乐其便而姑为染指，一染指便深入万仞；理路上事，毋惮其难而稍为退步，一退步便远隔千山。<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

When you have material gains to pursue, do not make hasty decisions to do so simply because of their easy accessibility. If you do, you will stumble into a deep pit out of which you will not be able to get out. When you seek the truth, do not make even the slightest retreat from any difficulties which the process may entail. If you do, you will find that you are separated from the object of your request by a thousand mountains.

（保罗·怀特 译）

When you pursue material gains, do not act willfully for the love of convenience. If you do, you will surely fall into an abyss of one hundred thousand feet. When you seek the truth, do not flinch for fear of difficulties. If you do, you will inevitably be separated from the truth by a thousand mountains.

（周文标 译）