Chapter 17

1. In the highest antiquity¹, (the people) did not know that there were (their rulers). In the next age they loved them and praised them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them. Thus it was that when faith (in the Tao) was deficient² (in the rulers) a want of faith in them ensued (in the people).

2. How irresolute³ did those (earliest rulers) appear, showing (by their reticence) the importance which they set upon their words! Their work was done and their undertakings⁴ were successful, while the people all said, 'We are as we are, of ourselves!'

       太上，不知有之；
       其次，亲之、誉之；
       其次，畏之；
       其次，侮之。
       信不足焉，有不信焉，悠兮其贵言。
       功成事遂，百姓皆谓"我自然"。

【译文】
       最好的统治者，人们觉察不到他的存在。
       其次的统治者，人们亲近他、赞誉他。
       再次的统治者，人们畏惧他。
       最次的统治者，人们轻侮他。
       威信有所缺损，就会导致整个威信架构的倒塌，闲着点吧，慎作仗名立言之事。最好是一切事情都办理妥当了，百姓们却说"我们是自然而然的"。

1 antiquity   

n.古老；高龄；古物，古迹

参考例句：

• The museum contains the remains of Chinese antiquity.博物馆藏有中国古代的遗物。
• There are many legends about the heroes of antiquity.有许多关于古代英雄的传说。

2 deficient   

adj.不足的，不充份的，有缺陷的

参考例句：

• The crops are suffering from deficient rain.庄稼因雨量不足而遭受损害。
• I always have been deficient in selfconfidence and decision.我向来缺乏自信和果断。

3 irresolute   

adj.无决断的，优柔寡断的，踌躇不定的

参考例句：

• Irresolute persons make poor victors.优柔寡断的人不会成为胜利者。
• His opponents were too irresolute to call his bluff.他的对手太优柔寡断,不敢接受挑战。

4 undertakings   

企业( undertaking的名词复数 )； 保证； 殡仪业； 任务

参考例句：

• The principle of diligence and frugality applies to all undertakings. 勤俭节约的原则适用于一切事业。
• Such undertakings require the precise planning and foresight of military operations. 此举要求军事上战役中所需要的准确布置和预见。