道在迩而求诸远,事在易而求诸难。
释义Explanation
道就在近处,人们却到远方去寻找;事情本来容易,人们却偏往难处去做。孟子以此批评世人舍近求远、舍易求难,忽视日常常道。修身治国的根本并不玄远,就体现在亲爱父母、尊敬兄长等朴素的日常行为中。这句话提醒我们,与其好高骛远,不如从身边小事和容易处踏实做起,方能真正接近大道。
This means the Way is right beside us, yet people seek it far away; matters are inherently easy, yet people treat them as difficult. Mencius criticizes the tendency to overlook the near and simple in favor of the distant and complex. True principles of self-cultivation and governance are not remote—they are manifest in everyday acts like loving one's parents and respecting elders. The saying urges us to stop chasing lofty abstractions and instead begin with what is close and manageable. By doing simple things well, we naturally draw closer to the Way.
使用场景Usage
在信息过载的今天,很多人追求复杂的方法论,却忽略基本的生活习惯。比如想改善健康,迷信高价保健品,却不愿坚持早睡和规律运动;想提升能力,囤积大量课程,却不愿认真读一本书。这句话提醒我们:真正的解决之道往往在眼前,从简单处开始,脚踏实地,比舍近求远更有效。
In today's information-saturated world, many people chase complex methods while ignoring basic habits. For instance, someone trying to improve health may buy expensive supplements but avoid simple routines like regular sleep and exercise. Likewise, a learner may hoard online courses but never finish one solid book. This quote reminds us that real solutions are often close at hand. Starting with the simple and near, and practicing it consistently, is more effective than seeking distant, complicated shortcuts.