韓愈（Han Yu）

羅經(jīng)國 譯

古之學(xué)者必有師。師者，所以傳道受業(yè)解惑也。

In ancient times those who wanted to learn would seek out a teacher, one who could propagate the doctrine, impart professional knowledge, and resolve doubts.

人非生而知之者，孰能無惑？

Since no one is born omniscient, who can claim to have no doubts?

惑而不從師，其為惑也，終不解矣。

If one has doubts and is not willing to learn from a teacher, his doubts will never be resolved.

生乎吾前，其聞道也，固先乎吾，吾從而師之；

Anyone who was born before me and learned the doctrine before me is my teacher.

生乎吾后，其聞道也，亦先乎吾，吾從而師之。

Anyone who was born after me and learned the doctrine before me is also my teacher.

吾師道也，夫庸知其年之先后生于吾乎？

Since what I desire to learn is the doctrine, why should I care whether he was born before or after me?

是故無貴無賤，無長無少，道之所存，師之所存也。

Therefore, it does not matter whether a person is high or low in position, young or old in age. Where there is the doctrine, there is my teacher.

嗟乎！師道之不傳也久矣，欲人之無惑也難矣。

Alas! The tradition of learning from the teacher has long been neglected. Thus it is difficult to find a person without any doubts at all.

古之圣人，其出人也遠(yuǎn)矣，猶且從師而問焉；

Ancient sages, who far surpassed us, even learned from their teachers.

今之眾人，其下圣人也亦遠(yuǎn)矣，而恥學(xué)于師。

People today, who are far inferior to them, regard learning from the teacher as a disgrace.

是故圣益圣，愚益愚。

Thus, wise men become more wise and unlearned men become more foolish.