10月30日

論快樂
錢鍾書 ( 1910~1998 )

發現了快樂由精神來決定，
人類文化又進一步。發現這個
道理，和發現是非善惡取決於
公理而不取於暴力，一樣重
要。公理發現以後，從此世
界上沒有可被武力完全屈服的
人。發現了精神是一切快樂的
根據，從此痛苦失掉它們的可
怕，肉體減少了專制。

精神的煉金術能使肉體痛苦
都變成快樂的資料。於是，燒
了房子，有慶賀的人；一簞食，
一瓢飲，有不改其樂的人；千
災百毒，有談笑自若的人。

對於這種人，人生還有什麼
威脅？這種快樂，把忍受變為
享受，是精神對於物質的最大勝利。

──選自《寫在人生邊上》

October 30

A Discussion on Happiness
Qian Zhongshu (1910 - 1998)
English translation: Miao Guang and William Chong

By discovering that happiness is determined by
our minds, civilization has taken yet another step
forward. This discovery is equally as important
as discovering that the realization of what is
right or wrong, good or evil, is determined by
justice instead of violence. Ever since justice was
discovered, not a single person has ever become
completely yielding to force. From that moment
on, fears are no longer as frightening, and the
physical body is no longer as domineering.

The alchemy of our minds can transform
physical suffering into a data for happiness.
For this reason, there are people who celebrate a
burnt down house, there are those who take joy
in having only simple foods and drinks, and there
are those who remain cheerful and at ease despite
being confronted by boundless calamities and harms.

For these people, what else could threaten
their lives? The joy of turning endurance into an
enjoyment wins one the greatest victory of the
mind against the material world.

── from Xiezai Rensheng Bianshang (Written on the Edges of Life)