채근담 004. 그 속에 있더라도 더럽혀지지 않는 것이 더 고귀하고 순수하다

004.그 속에 있더라도 더럽혀지지 않는 것이 더 고귀하고 순수하다.
It is nobler and purer not simply to avoid corruption, but to remain untainted even when exposed to it.

권력과 명예에서 멀리 떨어져 있는 사람은 깨끗하다고 ​​여겨지지만,
영위하면서도 더럽혀지지 않는 사람은 더욱 깨끗하다.
속임수나 교활함을 쓰지 않는 사람은 고귀하다고 여겨지지만,
그런 계략을 알면서도 쓰지 않는 사람은 더욱 고귀하다.

A person who stays away from power and fame is considered clean,
but one who approaches them without becoming stained is even cleaner.
A person who refrains from using tricks or cunning is called noble,
but one who understands such schemes yet chooses not to use them is nobler still.

 

Coffee Shop Mini-Scene: “The Unshakeable Employee”

[Scene: A bustling cafe near the office.
Employee Dana is waiting in line, ordering a latte.
Behind her is her coworker Max, who's been trying to get promoted all day by scheming.]

 

Max (whispering):
Dana, listen. The boss is sitting right there.
If you casually mention you worked late last night, he’ll notice. Boom—promotion.

Dana:
But… I didn’t work late last night.

Max:
That’s why you say it casually! Everyone does it.
Come on, just a tiny sprinkle of self-promotion dust.

Dana (firmly):
No thanks. I like my record clean, like my latte foam.

Max:
Okay then, at least complain loudly about your “overwhelming responsibilities.”
That always earns sympathy.

Dana:
Max… I literally left at 6 and had ramen while watching dramas.

 

[Just then, the boss passes by Dana and waves.]

Boss:
Dana! Thanks again for always staying honest and steady.
We need that energy on the new project.

[Max: Hardened]

Max:
…You got rewarded for not playing the game?

Dana (smiling):
Turns out staying untainted works even when temptation is right behind me.
Also, you’re breathing down my neck. Back up a little.

채근담 004.m4a

2.88MB

 

25.11.15.

Horus Hawks