English Original
Once, Yan Yuan asked his mentor Confucius why those who are good at swimming or diving can learn how to steer a boat very quickly.
Confucius replied, "It is because good swimmers do not fear the water. Good divers regard even the deepest abyss as mere land and hills. They handle danger with ease and remain undaunted anywhere.
Consider gambling: if a person wagers with clay tiles, he may win with skill. If he wagers with a silver hook, his mind fills with dread. If he wagers with gold, he becomes dizzy with fear. This is because he values worldly possessions too much. Thus, those who overvalue material things inevitably have clumsy thoughts."
中文翻译
有一次，颜渊问他的老师孔子，为什么善于游泳或潜水的人能很快学会驾船。
孔子回答说：“这是因为善于游泳的人不畏惧水。善于潜水的人，即使面对最深的深渊，也视之如同丘陵陆地。他们能从容应对危险，在任何地方都无所畏惧。
以赌博为例：一个人若用瓦片下注，或许能凭技巧取胜。若用银钩下注，心中便充满畏惧。若用黄金下注，则会因恐惧而头脑发昏。这是因为他过于看重身外之物。所以，过分看重物质的人，其思虑必然笨拙。”