《菜根谭》英译（富贵名誉、来自道德）

富贵名誉，自道德来者，如山林中花，自是舒徐繁衍；自功业来者，如盆槛中花，便有迁徙兴废；若以权力得者，如瓶钵中花，其根不植，其萎可立而待矣。

If a man’s wealth, rank and reputation spring from the cultivation of lofty virtue, they are like wild flowers growing profusely in the mountains and forests; they will flourish naturally and freely. If they are a result of his accomplishments, they are like flowers cultivated in flowerpots or growing on wooden frames; they have a time to bloom and a time to wither. If they are the fruits of naked power, they are like flowers placed in vases and bowls; their roots are not deeply planted, and they will fade away in no time.

（保罗·怀特 译）

Man’s riches and honor, if derived from the cultivation of morality and virtue, are like wild flowers in the mountains and forests, and will naturally flourish and multiply; if obtained by the means of personal exploits, are like flowers in discs, and might, owing to transplantation, flourish one moment or wither the next; and if captured by force of political power or trickeries, are like rootless flowers in vases, and will die down before you get tired by standing.

（周文标 译）

Fortune and reputation are like flowers. Built from righteousness, they would propagate like wild flowers. Built from a job, they migrate from place to place like potted flowers. Built from playing power games, they are like cut flowers in a vase. Without roots, they wilt quickly.

（李兆良 译）