채근담 001. 영원한 비참함보다는 잠시의 고독을 택하라

001. 영원한 비참함보다는 잠시의 고독을 택하라.

Choose a moment of solitude over an eternity of misery.

 

원칙을 고수하고 덕을 실천하는 자는 일시적인 평화를 누릴 수 있지만,
권력을 아첨하는 자는 영원한 비참함 속에 산다.
진리의 작용을 이해하는 달인은 눈에 보이지 않는 것까지 관찰하고
이 세상뿐 아니라 내세까지 생각한다.
짧은 고독을 받아들이되, 영원한 절망을 선택하지 마라.

 

One who holds to principle and extends virtue may face temporary quiet,
but one who flatters power lives in perpetual wretchedness.
A master who understands the workings of truth observes what lies beyond sight
and thinks not only of this life but of the life to come.
Embrace brief solitude, but never choose everlasting despair.

Office Mini-Scene: “The Report Dilemma”

Jamie:
Why do you look like you just discovered your report is dating your ex?

Alex:
Executive team wants me to “reframe” the numbers.
Which is corporate code for “make the bad stuff look shiny.”

Jamie:
Ah yes, the classic Truth but Make It Pretty request.

Alex:
If I say no, I’ll be left out of meetings.
If I say yes, my conscience will file a complaint.

Jamie:
Look, man. Temporary awkward silence beats eternal misery.
Integrity now, therapy bills later—your choice.

Alex:
So… stick to the truth?

Jamie:
Unless you enjoy being miserable forever, yeah.

Alex:
…Great. I choose truth. And mild career isolation.

Jamie:
Welcome to the club. We have snacks.

 

채근담 001.m4a

1.68MB

 

25.11.15.

Horus Hawks