反复探究元朝历史典故中的明成祖与讲官的对话细读其询问与翻译之事
明成祖与讲官的对话，源自《明成祖问讲官》，这篇文章深刻揭示了君子和小人的本质区别。文中记载，仁宗在位时曾经侍立于太子之侧，成祖询问讲官今日所读何书？讲官答以“《论语》”，其中包含了关于君子的高尚品德和小人的不端行为的章节。明成祖接着追问：“为什么君子难以进取而易于退让，小人却易于进步而难以退缩？”讲官解释道：“小人好逞才华而缺乏羞耻感，而君子则守护着自己的道德标准而无欲望。”又被问及“为什么小人们常常能取得成功”，讲官回答说：“这是因为上层人物往往倾向于喜欢某些特质，就像有智慧的领导者在位，他必将选择那些品德高尚的人。”最后一句提到，“即使如此，有的小人才是不可忽视的人物，我们必须时刻警惕并告诫他们，不要让他们犯错。”
注释：警饬，即告诫或警醒。
翻译：The dialogue between Ming Chengzu and the official, as recorded in "Ming Chengzu Asks the Official", highlights the distinction between a gentleman and a petty person. The text recalls that when Renshou was emperor, he served by the side of his son, who later became Emperor Ming. The emperor asked the official what book they were reading that day, to which the official replied it was "Analects". This contains chapters on both gentlemen and petty people.
The emperor then asked why gentlemen find it difficult to advance but easy to retreat while petty people are able to advance with ease but struggle to retreat. The official explained: "Petty people indulge in their talents without shame or humility; gentlemen maintain their moral standards without desire." He also answered why petty people often succeed: "It is because those in power tend to favor certain traits; just like a wise ruler above them would always choose someone with noble character."
Finally, he mentioned that although there might be some talented individuals among them (petty people), one must constantly remind and advise them so they do not make mistakes.
练习：
Explain words underlined in brackets:
(1) Why did Ming Chengzu consult with an official?
(2) What does '君子守道而无欲' mean?
Interpret sentences marked with lines:
"Small men have abilities we cannot abandon; we must always warn them so they won't make mistakes."
Why is it said that 'petty men are easily advanced but hard to retract'? Use original text.
In Sun Tzu's “Outlying Camps”, he advocates for avoiding small men whereas this passage suggests using them too? Which view do you lean towards? Share your thoughts.
Answer:
1 (1) For consultation
(2) Moral integrity, truth
2 Small men indeed have abilities we cannot ignore; we must constantly remind them not let any mistake occur.
3 Petty men indulge in their talents without shame or humility.
4 Expressing rationality suffices.
This passage shows how even though there may be good qualities within small-minded individuals, one should still exercise caution around such characters lest they cause trouble due diligence being exercised through constant vigilance over these individuals can help prevent potential missteps from occurring."
