《礼运·大同篇》英译

The Great Harmony<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

When the great principle prevails, the world is a commonwealth in which rulers are selected according to their wisdom and ability. Mutual confidence is promoted and good neighborliness cultivated.

Hence men do not regard as parents only their own parents, nor do they treat as children only their own children. Provision is secured for the aged till death, employment for the able-bodied, and the means of growing up for the young.

Helpless widows and widowers, orphans and the lonely, as well as the sick and the disabled, are well cared for.

Men have their respective occupations and women their homes. They do not like to see wealth lying idle, yet they do not keep it for their own gratification.

They despise indolence, yet they do not use their energies for their own benefit. In this way selfish scheming are repressed, and robbers, thieves and other lawless men no longer exist, and there is no need for people to shut their outer doors. This is called the great harmony.