小国寡民。
|
A small country with few people. |
使有什伯之器而不用;
|
They have tools that can do the work of many but choose not to use them. |
使民重死而不远徙。
|
They hold death in reverence and do not wander far. |
虽有舟舆,
|
Though they have boats and carriages, |
无所乘之,
|
They have nowhere to go. |
虽有甲兵,
|
Though they possess armor and weapons, |
无所陈之。
|
They do not display them. |
使民复结绳而用之。
|
They return to knotting ropes for records. |
甘其食,
|
Their food is simple but satisfying, |
美其服,
|
Their clothes are fine and plain, |
安其居,
|
Their homes are secure, |
乐其俗。
|
They are content with their traditions. |
邻国相望,
|
Though neighboring countries are within sight, |
鸡犬之声相闻,
|
And they hear the sounds of roosters and dogs across the way, |
民至老死,
|
They grow old and die, |
不相往来。
|
Without ever visiting each other. |