以過去、歷史為鏡鑒,可以了解現(xiàn)在并預(yù)知未來。也說“鑒往知來”“知古鑒今”。“鑒”本指鏡子,引申為借鑒、參照、審察、考察。所謂“鑒古”“鑒往”“知古”主要指總結(jié)歷史上朝代、國家興衰成敗的經(jīng)驗教訓(xùn),考察歷史人物的言行事跡以及是非善惡,來為現(xiàn)實的國家治理和個人的道德修養(yǎng)服務(wù)?!爸瘛薄拌b今”“知來”則是了解現(xiàn)在,以現(xiàn)在為鑒,預(yù)知未來。古代執(zhí)政者為了使自己的決策符合國情、民情,具一定合理性,非常注重從歷史中吸取經(jīng)驗教訓(xùn),避免重蹈覆轍。它包含著對于歷史的現(xiàn)實意義和現(xiàn)實的歷史景深的雙重關(guān)注。與“前事不忘,后事之師”意思接近。
Reviewing the past helps us understand the present and predict the future. It is also said that "reviewing the past we understand the future" and "knowing the past we understand the present." The Chinese word jian (鑒) can mean "mirror" and hence to "review the past" as if in a mirror, "understand the past," or "gain knowledge of the past." The lessons of the rise and fall of dynasties and states, the words and deeds of historical figures, as well as right and wrong, and good and evil, help govern the country and improve personal morality. "Understanding the present," "reviewing the present," or "understanding the future" means predicting the future based on the present. The rulers of antiquity saw it as extremely important to draw lessons from history in order to avoid past mistakes and justify their policies by making them conform to the needs of the country and people. The concept of "reviewing the past to understand the present" stresses both the practical significance of history and the historical depth of things present. It is similar to the concept that "past experience, if not forgotten, is a guide for the future."
引例 Citations:
◎監(jiān)前世之興衰,考當(dāng)今之得失,嘉善矜惡,取是舍非。(司馬光《資治通鑒》)
察看前代政權(quán)的興衰,考察當(dāng)今的得失,贊美善德,戒懼惡行,采納正確做法,放棄錯誤做法。
It is advisable to review the rise and fall of previous dynasties and the achievements and failures of the present dynasty, to commend the good, condemn the evil, and adopt what is right and discard what is wrong. (Sima Guang: Memorial on History as a Mirror)
◎知往鑒今,驅(qū)曹蕩吳,非同小可也。(無名氏《太平宴》第一折)
了解過去,作為現(xiàn)在的鏡鑒,驅(qū)除和消滅曹魏、孫吳,這是了不起的事業(yè)。
It is of great importance to review knowledge of the past to help understand the present, expel the invasion of the State of Wei and wipe out the State of Wu. (A Peace Banquet)
推薦:教育部 國家語委
供稿:北京外國語大學(xué) 外語教學(xué)與研究出版社
責(zé)任編輯:錢耐安