明成祖在山林中询问讲官关于元朝历史的阅读与翻译
在我，明成祖的身边，有一位讲官，他是我最信任的人。有一次，我问他：“今天你在读什么书？”他回答说：“《论语》，这本书里有君子和小人的区别。”我好奇地问：“为什么君子难以进步而易于退步，而小人则相反？”讲官解释说：“小人喜欢展示自己的才能，但他们缺乏耻感；君子则坚守道德，不追求私欲。”我又问：“为什么小人总能取得成功？”讲官回答说：“这与上层人物的喜好有关，就像一个明智的统治者在位时，必定会偏向于那些品行端正的人。”接着，我又问：“即便是明智的统治者，也不会完全依赖那些不称职的人吗？”讲官慎重地指出，“虽然有时候不能完全放弃那些可用之才，但必须常常提醒他们，不让他们犯错。”
【注释】
警饬：警告或告诫。
【翻译】
Qing Dynasty Emperor Asks Official: This passage from the Ming Dynasty is written in classical Chinese. It highlights the differences between a gentleman and a petty man. "A petty man displays his talents without shame, while a gentleman adheres to virtue without desire." The emperor asks the official about this matter and receives an answer that explains why a petty man is easily promoted but difficult to demote, while a gentleman is the opposite.
【Practice Questions】
Define key terms in the text:
(1) The emperor consults with an official.
(2) A gentleman adheres to virtue without desire.
Interpret lines marked with brackets:
[The line] Small people have qualities that cannot be abandoned; they must be constantly reminded not to make mistakes.
Why are small people "easily promoted but difficult to demote"?
In Sun Zi's "The Art of War," he advocates for eliminating inferior personnel. However, this text suggests that there are situations where small people can be useful as well. Which viewpoint do you lean towards? Please explain your reasoning.
【Answers]
1.
(1) Look
(2) Morality, truth
Small people indeed have abilities that should not be discarded; it is necessary to remind them constantly so they will not make mistakes.
A petty man displays his talents without shame
To express one's views on this matter
