【双语美文】My Life Is Over 我的人生已逝

01、My Life Is Over 我的人生已逝

What a little thing! I knew the philosophers had spoken; I repeated their musical phrases about the mortal span—yet never till now believed them. And this is all? A man’s life can be so brief and so vain? Idly would I persuade myself that life, in the true sense, is only now beginning; that the time of sweat and fear was not life at all, and that is now only depends upon my will to lead a worthy existence. That may be a sort of consolation, but it does not obscure the truth that I shall never again see possibilities and promises opening before me. I have “retired，” and for me as truly as for the retired trades man, life is over. I can look back upon its completed course, and what a little thing! I am tempted to laugh; I hold myself within the limit of a smile.

生命是多么的渺小!我知道哲学家们说过的话。我反复品读他们关于生命如歌但又苦短的语句。但是，时至今日，我才相信他们的话。这就是一切吗? 一个人的生命怎么就如此的短暂，如此的空虚?我徒然说服自己：真正意义上的生活才刚刚开始;汗水和恐惧相随的日子根本不是生活，是否让生活变得有意义依然取决于我的选择。也许这只是一种自我安慰，但是，它不能把这样一个事实弄得含糊不清，那就是:机会和前途之门将不会再向我敞开。现在，我已经“退居二线”，对于一个退休商人来说,人生已经逝去早已成为一个不可否认的事实。我可以回顾已走完的那些人生旅程，它是多么的渺小啊!我忍不住想要大笑起来，可是我控制了自己，只是微微一笑而已。

And that is best, to smile not in scorn, but in all for bearance, without too much self-compassion. After all, that dreadful aspect of the thing never really took hold of me; I could put it by without much effort. Life is done-and what matter?

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My Life Is Over 我的人生已逝

Whether it has been, in sum, painful or enjoyable, even now I cannot say-a fact which in itself should prevent me from taking the loss too seriously. What does it matter? Destiny with the hidden face decreed that I should come into being, play my little part, and pass again into silence; is mine either to approve or to rebel? Let me be grateful that I have suffered no intolerable wrong, no terrible woe of flesh or spirit, such as other-alas! Alas! — have found in their lot. Is it not much to have accomplished so large a part of the mortal journey with so much ease? If I find myself astonished at its brevity and small significance, why, that is my own fault; the voices of those gone before had sufficiently warned me. Better to see the truth now, and accept it, than to fall into dread surprise on some day of weakness, and foolishly to cry against fate. I will be glad rather than sorry, and think of the thing no more.

微笑，一方面带着一定的忍耐而不是轻视，另一方面又不能过分地自怜，也许这样就是最好的吧!毕竟，我从来没有真正陷入最糟糕的处境里，我尚且还可以轻松地摆脱它。生命完结了——那又怎么样?总体来讲，它究竟是苦还是乐，甚至到现在，我也不能确定。是不是事实本身就不需要我这般患得患失呢?那有什么关系呢?命运本来就不会显现它真实的面目的，它召唤着我的降生，要我扮演着那小小的人生角色，然后，一切又重归沉寂。对此，我到底是顺从还是叛逆呢?我心存感激，感激自己没有像别人那样遭遇无法忍受的冤屈，还有那肉体或心灵上惨痛的创伤——唉!我在他们的身上看到的那些冤屈和创伤!或许人生大部分旅程都安宁地走过了，难道我还不该知足吗?假使我惊讶于生命的短促和空虚，那这错误就是我自己亲手制造的呀!先逝的人们已经向我们敲响了警钟：最好现在就看清事实并且接受它，不然，以后的日子一定会陷入恐慌,软弱得束手无策，只能愚蠢地呼天抢地，哀怨连连。我宁愿高兴，而不顾悔恨,我也将不愿再胡思乱想。

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My Life Is Over 我的人生已逝

02、Mother Wrote to the World During World War II 一个母亲在二战时写给世界的信

Dear World,

亲爱的世界：

My son starts school today. It’s going to be strange and new to him for a while. And I wish you would sort of treat him gently.

我的儿子今天开始上学。在一段时间内，他都会感到既陌生又新鲜。我希望你能对他温和一点。

You see, up to now, he，s been king of his own room. He，s been boss of the back yard. I have always been around to repair his wounds，and to comfort his feelings.

你知道，直到现在，他一直是家里的小皇帝;一直是后院的主人。我一直在他身边，为他料理伤口，给他感情上的慰藉。

But now-things are going to be different. This morning, he is going to walk down the front steps, wave his hand and start on his great adventure that will probably include wars and tragedy and sorrow. To live his life in the world he has to live in will require faith and love and courage.

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My Life Is Over 我的人生已逝

可是现在-一切都将发生变化。今天早晨,他走下屋前的台阶,挥挥手，即将踏上他伟大的冒险征途，途中也许会有战争、悲剧和伤痛。要在他必须生存的世界中生活需要信念、爱心和勇气。

So, World, I wish you would sort of take him by his young hand and teach him that things he will have to know. Teach him — but gently, if you can. Teach him that for every scoundrel there is a hero; that for every dishonest politician, there is a devoted leader; that for every enemy there is a friend. Teach him the wonders of books. Give him quiet time to think over the mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on the green hills. Teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone else tells him they are wrong. Teach him to sell his strength and brains to the highest bidder, but never to put a price on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears to a howling crowd... and to stand and fight if he thinks he’s right. Teach him gently, World, but don’t spoil him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel.

所以，世界，我希望你握住他稚嫩的手，教他必须知道的一些事情。教他——但如果可能的话，温柔点儿。教他知道,世界上有一个恶棍，就有一个英雄;有一个奸诈的政客， 就有一个富有奉献精神的领袖;有一个敌人，就有一个朋友。教他感受书本的魅力。给他时间，去安静地思索自然界中永恒的神秘:空中的小鸟，阳光下的蜜蜂，青山上的花朵。教他知道，失败比欺骗要光荣得多。教他要坚信自己的思想，哪怕别人都予以否定。教他可把自己的体力和脑力以最高价出售，但绝对不要出卖自己的内心和灵魂。教他对暴徒的嚎叫置若罔闻……并且在认为自己是对的时候站出来战斗。以温柔的方式教导他，世界，但不要溺爱他，因为只有烈火才能炼出真钢。

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My Life Is Over 我的人生已逝

This is a big order, World, but see what you can do. He is such a nice little fellow.

这是个很高的要求，世界，但请你尽力而为。他是一个多么可爱的小伙子。

03、Four Perfect Dreams of Life 完美人生四大梦想

Healthy and Fit

健康有活力

The first goal common to all of us is health and energy. We all want to be healthy and fit, to have high levels of energy and to live free of pain and illness. Today, with the incredible advances in medical science, the quality of our health and fitness, and our lifespan, is largely determined by design, not by chance. People with excellent health habits are far healthier, have more energy, and live longer and better than people who have poor health habits.

人生的第一个大梦就是身体健康、精力充沛。每个人都希望自己健康,远离病苦病痛、 精神舒畅、活力无穷。今天的医学发达,人类可以借由良好的规划和调理，活得更健康、更长久。有良好生活习惯的人，比起那些糟蹋自己身体的人，能活得更健康、精力更旺盛。

Excellent Relationships

人际关系良好

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My Life Is Over 我的人生已逝

The second goal that we all have in common is to enjoy excellent relationships-intimate, personal or social-with the people we like and respect, and who like, love and respect us in turn. Fully 85% of your happiness will be determined by the quality of your relationships at each stage, and in each area, of your life. How well you get along with people, and how much they like, love and respect you, has more impact on the quality of your life than perhaps any other factor.

人生的第二大梦就是完美的人际关系，与亲人、朋友和同事，以及社会上一般人融洽相处、互动良好。我们爱且尊敬他人，而他人也爱且尊敬我们。人们在任何一个人生阶段或居住在任何一个地区是否觉得幸福快乐，其中有85%取决于融洽的人际关系。你与他人相处的情形，他人是否喜欢你、爱你、尊重你，构成了你是否觉得幸福快乐的关键因素。

Do What You Love

从事自己喜欢的工作

The third common goal is to do work that we enjoy, to do it well, and to be well paid for it. You want to be able to get and keep the job you want, to get paid more and promoted faster. You want to earn the very most that is possible for you at each stage of your career, whatever you do.

人生的第三个大梦就是做自己喜欢的工作，而且表现出色、薪酬优厚。每个人都希望从事自己喜欢的行业，拥有喜欢的工作、获得升迁、领取丰厚薪水和奖金。不论从事哪一个行业,每个人都希望在每一个职场阶段尽量赚取更多财富。

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My Life Is Over 我的人生已逝

Achieve Financial Independence

财务

The fourth goal we all have in common is to achieve financial independence. You want to reach the point in life where you have enough money so that you never have to worry about money again. You want to be completely free of financial worries. You want to be able to order dinner in a restaurant without using the price listings to determine what you want to eat.

人生的第四个大梦就是达到财务。你希望能赚取相当数量的财富，一辈子都无须为钱烦恼。走进任何一家餐厅，你可以随心所欲地点餐享用，而无须留意价目表上的数字。

04、I Will Live This Day as if It Is My Last 假如今天是我生命中的最后一天

I will live this day as if it is my last.

假如今天是我生命中的最后一天。

And what then shall I do? Forgetting yesterday neither will I think of tomorrow. Why should I throw note after maybe? Can tomorrow’s sand flow through the glass before today’s? Will the sun rise twice this morning? Can I perform tomorrow’s deeds while standing in today’s path? Can I place tomorrow’s gold in today’s purse? Can tomorrow’s child be born today? Can tomorrow’s death cast its shadow backward and darken today’s joy? Should I concern myself over

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My Life Is Over 我的人生已逝

events which I may never witness? Should I torment myself with problems that may never come to pass? No! Tomorrow lies buried with yesterday, and I will think of it no more.

我该怎么办?忘记昨天，也不要痴想明天。明天是一个未知数，为什么要把今天的精力浪费在未知的事上?想着明天的种种,今天的时光也白白流逝了。企盼今早的太阳再次升起，太阳已经落山。走在今天的路上，能做明天的事吗?我能把明天的金币放进今天的钱袋里吗?明日瓜熟，今日能蒂落吗?明天的死亡能将今天的欢乐蒙上阴影吗?我能杞人忧天吗?我能为那未出现的问题折磨自己吗?不!明天和昨天一样被我埋葬。我不再想它。

I will live this day as if it is my last.

假如今天是我生命中的最后一天。

This day is all I have and these hours are now my eternity. I greet this sunrise with cries of joy as a prisoner who is reprieved from death. I lift my arms with thanks for this priceless gift of a new day. So too, I will beat upon my heart with gratitude as I consider all who greeted yesterday’s sunrise who are no longer with the living today. I am indeed a fortunate man and today’s hours are but a bonus, undeserved.

这是我仅有的一天,是现实的永恒。我像被救免死刑的囚犯，用喜悦的泪水拥抱新生的太阳。我举起双手，感谢这无与伦比的一天。当我想到昨天和我一起迎接日出的朋友, 今天已不复存在时，我为自己的幸存，感激上苍。我是无比幸运的人，今天的时光是额外的奖赏。

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My Life Is Over 我的人生已逝

05、Write Your Own Life 书写自己的生活

Suppose someone gave you a pen-a sealed, solid-colored pen.

假设有人给了你一支笔，一支密封的、纯色的水笔，

You couldn’t see how much ink it had.

里面有多少墨水你看不到。

It might run dry after the first few tentative words or last just long enough to create a masterpiece (or several) that would last forever and make a difference in the scheme of things.

很可能刚刚试写几个字便用干耗尽;也可能足以完成一部或几部杰作，永存于世，使世事为之大变。

You don’t know before you begin.

而这一切你在动笔之前却一无所知。

Under the rules of the game, you really never know.

根据游戏的规则，你确实永远也不会知道，

You have to take a chance!

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My Life Is Over 我的人生已逝

只能冒一下险。

Actually, no rule of the game states you must do anything. Instead of picking up and using the pen, you could leave it on a shelf or in a drawer where it will dry up, unused.

而事实上，也没有规则说你就一定要做些什么。你大可以把笔搁在架子上、放在抽屉里，弃置不用，任墨水蒸发完。

But if you do decide to use it, what would you do with it? How would you play the game?

然而，如果你真的决定使用，你会做什么?怎么来做这个游戏?

Would you plan and plan before you ever wrote a word?

你会左计划、右计划，然后才慢慢下笔吗?

Would your plans be so extensive that you never even got to the writing?

计划会不会太泛太多，根本就到达不了写作这一步?

Or would you take the pen in hand, plunge right in and just do it, struggling to keep up with the twists and turns of the torrents of words that take you where they take you?

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My Life Is Over 我的人生已逝

会不会提笔在手，迫不及待地投入其中，任由手中的笔、笔下的字带着你在词海中上下翻腾、左突右冲?

Would you write cautiously and carefully, as if the pen might run dry the next moment, or would you pretend or believe (or pretend to believe) that the pen will write forever and proceed accordingly?

会不会下笔谨小慎微,似乎墨水随时都将干涸?会不会假装或相信、或假装相信笔中墨水永不会枯竭，任你挥洒?

And of what would you write： Of love? Hate? Fun? Misery? Life? Death? Nothing? Everything?

你会写些什么?爱情?仇恨?乐趣?痛苦?生命?死亡?虚无空空抑或世事万种?

Would you write to please just yourself? Or others? Or yourself by writing for others?

是会用来自娱?还是取悦他人?还是为人写作而愉悦自身?

Would your strokes be tremblingly timid or brilliantly bold? Fancy with a flourish or plain?

你的一笔一画会颤抖怯懦还是亮丽大胆?花里胡哨还是朴实无华?

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My Life Is Over 我的人生已逝

Would you even write? Once you have the pen, no rule says you have to write. Would you sketch? Scribble? Doodle or draw?

你确实会去写吗?你一旦有了这支笔，却也没有规则说你一定就要去写。你会粗粗写来?潦潦草草?信手涂鸦?还是认真描绘?

Would you stay in or on the lines, or see no lines at all, even if they were there? Or are they? There’s a lot to think about here, isn’t there?

你会写在线里还是写在线上，或者对纸上的线格根本就视而不见?真的有什么线格吗?此时此刻，有很多东西值得思考，不是吗?

Now, suppose someone gave you a life...

那么，假设有人给了你一次生命……

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