Chapter 20
第二十章
When we renounce learning we have no troubles.
唯之與阿,
The (ready) 'yes,' and (flattering) 'yea;' Small is the difference they display.
相去幾何?
But mark their issues, good and ill;
善之與惡,
What space the gulf between shall fill?
相去何若?
What all men fear is indeed to be feared;
人之所畏,不可不畏。
but how wide and without end is the range of questions (asking to be discussed)!
荒兮,其未央哉!
The multitude of men look satisfied and pleased; as if enjoying a full banquet, as if mounted on a tower in spring.
眾人熙熙,如享太牢,如春登臺。
I alone seem listless and still, my desires having as yet given no indication of their presence.
我獨泊兮,其未兆,
I am like an infant which has not yet smiled.
如嬰兒之未孩;
I look dejected and forlorn, as if I had no home to go to.
傫傫兮,若無所歸!

The multitude of men all have enough and to spare.
眾人皆有余,
I alone seem to have lost everything.
而我獨若遺。
My mind is that of a stupid man; I am in a state of chaos.
我愚人之心也哉;沌沌兮!
Ordinary men look bright and intelligent, while I alone seem to be benighted.
俗人昭昭,我獨昏昏;
They look full of discrimination, while I alone am dull and confused.
俗人察察,我獨悶悶。
I seem to be carried about as on the sea, drifting as if I had nowhere to rest.
澹兮,其若海,飂兮,若無止。
All men have their spheres of action, while I alone seem dull and incapable, like a rude borderer.
眾人皆有以,而我獨頑似鄙。
(Thus) I alone am different from other men, but I value the nursing-mother (the Tao).
我獨異于人,而貴食母。