2008年11月22日星期六

Westminster Abbey

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it, too, seemed immovable.As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now, as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family.From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country, and who knows, I may have even changed the world.

当我年轻的时候,我的想象力从没有受到限制,我梦想改变这个世界。
  当我成熟以后,我发现我不能改变这个世界,我将目光缩短一些,决定只改变我的国家。
  当我进入暮年的时候,我发现我不能够改变的国家,我的最后仅仅是改变一下我的家庭。
  但是,这也不可能。
  当我现在躺在床上,行将就木时,我突然意识到:
  如果一开始我仅仅去改变我自己,
  然后作为一个榜样,我可能改变我的家庭;
  在家人的帮助和鼓励下,我可能为国家做一些事情。
  然后,谁知道呢?我甚至可能改变这个世界。