说苑/道吾問之夫子，「多所知無所知，其身孰善者乎？

道吾問之夫子，「多所知無所知，其身孰善者乎？

Eric Henry

Dao Wu159 asked a question of the master: “Who is intrinsically better, one who knows much or one who knows little?” “One who knows nothing can be likened to a man who is dead” was the reply.

」對曰：「無知者死人屬也；雖不死，累人者必眾甚矣。

Eric Henry

“Though he may not be dead, he will involve involve others in numerous and heavy difficulties.

然多所知者，好其用心也；多所知者出於利人即善矣，出於害人即不善也。

Eric Henry

But those who know much are fond of using their minds.

」道吾曰：「善哉！」

Eric Henry

If they add to what they know out of a desire to help others, this is good; but, if they do this out of a desire to do injury to others, then it is not good.” “How splendid!” exclaimed Dao Wu.