《菜根谭》英译（高一步立身、退一步处世）

立身不高一步立，如尘里振衣，泥中濯足，如何超达？处世不退一步处，如飞蛾投烛，羝羊触藩，如何安乐？  <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Striving to get on in the world without keeping some distance from it is like trying to shake the dirt off your clothes while shrouded by dust, or like washing your feet in a mud puddle. How can you be free of vulgarities and attain refinement? In your dealings with the world, if you are not good at making concessions you are like a moth flying into a candle flame oar a ram caught by the horns in brambles. How can you find peace and contentment?

（保罗·怀特 译）

If a man cannot stand on a higher plane in his pursuit, it is similar to dusting his clothes in the dust and washing his feet in the muddy water. How can he rise above the general run of people? If a man does not know how to make compromises in social intercourse, he would resemble a moth darting into flame or a ram rushing against fences. How can he rest his life on peace and ease?

（周文标 译）

Being without high moral standards is like dusting one’s clothes in dust and washing one’s feet in mud. There is no way to escape from trouble.

Not knowing when to retreat is like moths swarming on candles, and goats ramming the fence. How can one find peace?

（李兆良 译）