儒家: 《論語》 (公元前480年 – 公元前350年)

“The Analects of Confucius“ (480-350 BC) English translations by James Legge, or Leonard A. Lyall.

《論語》《公冶長》5.21 :

子曰：「甯武子邦有道則知，邦無道則愚。其知可及也，其愚不可及也。」

The Master said, “When good order prevailed in his country, Ning Wu acted the part of a wise man. When his country was in disorder, he acted the part of a stupid man. Others may equal his wisdom, but they cannot equal his stupidity.”

【Alternative translation】The Master said, “Whilst the land kept the Way Ning Wu showed wisdom; when his land lost the Way he grew simple. His wisdom we may come up to; such simplicity is beyond us.”

【現代漢語翻譯】 孔子說：「寧武子這人，國家太平時，就聰明，國家混亂時，就愚笨。他的聰明可以學得來，他的愚笨別人學不來。」

【试译】孔子说：“宁武子这人，国家好人当道，他有个聪明样；国家坏人当道，他有股傻劲。他的聪明别人可以赶上，他的傻劲别人赶不上。”