《菜根谭》英译（穷当益工、不失风雅）

贫家勤扫地，贫女净梳头，景色虽不艳丽，气度自是风雅。士君子一当穷愁寥落，奈何辄自废弛哉？

The poor man sweeps his floor until it is spotless. The poor woman combs her hair until it is neat and tidy. Neither produces a wonderful sight, but these actions bespeak a sensibility of elegance. So how can a man of learning get downhearted when he encounters poverty and misfortune, and abandon his ambitions?

（保罗·怀特 译）

The housewife of a poor family sweeps the floor frequently and its daughter combs her hair neatly and cleanly. Although there is neither luxury furniture nor brilliant ornaments, it is still full of natural grace and simple elegance. How can a man of learning be lightly self-abandoned the very moment he encounters destitution and desolation?

（周文标 译）

The poor family always sweep their house clean, and the poor girl always combs her hair neat: though they do not look bright or beautiful, there is still some elegance about them. Why then should the junzi gentleman, when poor and wretched, easily give himself up?

（蒋坚松 译）