Thus, for Confucius, the family, with its brotherly and sisterly love and respect for parents, was the most important thing of all.
所以孔子認(rèn)為家庭,兄弟姊妹之間的愛,對父母的尊敬,這些是整個生活中最重要的東西。
He called it 'the root of humanity'.
他稱它們?yōu)?ldquo;人性的根”。
However, he didn't mean that respect and obedience1 should be shown only by a subject to his ruler, and not the other way round as well.
但是他的意思并不是尊敬和忠誠只應(yīng)該表現(xiàn)在臣民對統(tǒng)治者,反之就不必了。
On the contrary, Confucius and his disciples2 often came up against obstinate3 princes, and would usually tell them exactly what they thought of them.
相反,孔子和他的弟子們頻頻會見不服從的諸侯并通常都竭力向他們宣揚這個看法,F(xiàn)or a prince must take the lead in observing the forms.
因為諸侯必須帶頭遵守這些禮節(jié)。
He must demonstrate a father's love in providing for his people and deal with them justly.
他必須履行父愛、關(guān)心他的臣民,公正地對待他們。
If he neglects to do so, and brings suffering on his subjects, then it serves him right if they rise up and overthrow4 him.
如果他做不到這一點,讓他的臣民們受苦,那么人民推翻他便完全是他罪有應(yīng)得。
So taught Confucius and his followers5.
孔子和他的弟子們這樣教導(dǎo)說。
For a prince's first duty was to be an example to all who lived in his kingdom.
因為諸侯的首要職責(zé)是當(dāng)他的全國居民的榜樣。