Page 24 - 《大学》中·英对照版
P. 24

?大
 学

      What the Great Learning teaches, is—to
illustrate illustrious virtue; to renovate the people;
and to rest in the highest excellence.

      The point where to rest being known, the
object of pursuit is then determined; and, that
being determined, a calm unperturbedness may be
attained to. To that calmness there will succeed a
tranquil repose. In that repose there may be careful
deliberation, and that deliberation will be followed
by the attainment of the desired end. Things have
their root and their branches. Affairs have their end
and their beginning. To know what is first and what
is last will lead near to what is taught in the Great
Learning.

      The ancients who wished to illustrate illustrious
virtue throughout the kingdom, first ordered
well their own states. Wishing to order well their
states, they first regulated their families. Wishing
to regulate their families, they first cultivated their

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