文质彬彬·每日好词语｜乐天知命

乐天知命

乐于顺从天道并知晓命运的分限。出自《周易·系辞上》。天道规定了人事的法则，命运界定了人力的限度。这些都是人不能改变的，应该知晓并坦然面对。同时，人在天、命的规范与限度内，又可以通过自身的不断努力，修养德行、拓展功业，故乐于顺从天、命。

Rejoice in Complying with Heaven and Know Its Mandate

People rejoice in complying with the way of heaven and recognize the limitations set by the mandate of heaven. This concept originates from The Book of Changes. The way of heaven regulates human affairs and its mandate defines the limit of human power. This is beyond human capacity to change, which man must understand and face with calm. While people are subject to regulation and limitation by heaven and its mandate, they can cultivate their virtue and make great achievements through continuous efforts. That's why people should rejoice in complying with heaven and its mandate.

引例

旁行而不流，乐天知命，故不忧。（《周易·系辞上》）（圣贤应变旁通又进退有度，乐于顺从天道并知晓命运的分限，因此不会忧虑。）

Sages can adapt appropriately to the changes of things without going too far. They rejoice in complying with the way of heaven and recognize the limitations set by the mandate of heaven, and so they are free from anxiety. (The Book of Changes)