第一篇:2016年英国女王演讲
There was a time when British Olympic medal winners became household names because there were so few of them.But the 67 medals at this year's Games in Rio and 147 at the Paralympics meant that the GB medallists' reception at Buckingham Palace was a crowded and happy event.Many of this year's winners spoke of being inspired by athletes of previous generations.Inspiration fed their aspiration;and having discovered abilities they scarcely knew they had, these athletes are now inspiring others.A few months ago, I saw inspiration of a different kind when I opened the new Cambridge base of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, where Prince William works as a helicopter pilot.It was not hard to be moved by the ____39____ of the highly skilled doctors, paramedics and crew, who are called-out on average five times a day.But to be inspirational, you don't have to save lives or win medals.I often draw strength from meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things: volunteers, carers, community organizers and good neighbours;unsung heroes whose quiet dedication makes them special.They are an inspiration to those who know them, and their lives frequently embody a truth expressed by Mother Teresa, from this year Saint Teresa of Calcutta.She once said, “Not all of us can do great things.But we can do small things with great love.” This has been the experience of two ____40____ organizations, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the Prince's Trust, which are sixty and forty years old this year.These started as small ____41____, but have grown beyond any expectations, and continue to transform young people's lives.To mark my 90th birthday, volunteers and supporters of the six hundred charities of which I have been patron came to a lunch in The Mall.Many of these organizations are ____42____ in size, but inspire me with the work they do.From giving friendship and support to our veterans, the elderly or the bereaved;to championing music and dance;providing animal welfare;or protecting our fields and forests, their selfless devotion and generosity of spirit is an example to us all.When people face a challenge, they sometimes talk about taking a deep breath to find courage or strength.In fact, the word 'inspire' literally means 'to breathe in'.But even with the inspiration of others, it's ____43____ that we sometimes think the world's problems are so big that we can do little to help.On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out ____44____, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine.At Christmas, our attention is drawn to the birth of a baby some two thousand years ago.It was the humblest of beginnings, and his parents, Joseph and Mary, did not think they were important.Jesus Christ lived obscurely for most of his life, and never traveled far.He was maligned and ____45____ by many, though he had done no wrong.And yet, billions of people now follow his teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives.I am one of them because Christ's example helps me see the value of doing small things with great love, whoever does them and whatever they themselves believe.The message of Christmas reminds us that inspiration is a gift to be given as well as received, and that love begins small but always grows.I wish you all a very happy Christmas.
第二篇:英国女王 演讲
My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,议长、上议院和下议院的各位议员们:
I am most grateful for your Loyal Addresses and the generous words of the Lord Speaker and Mr.Speaker.对上议院和下议院两位议长表示忠诚的演讲和慷慨陈词,我十分感激。
This great institution has been at the heart of the country and the lives of our people throughout its history.As Parliamentarians, you share with your forebears a fundamental role in the laws and decisions of your own age.Parliament has survived as an unshakeable cornerstone of our constitution and our way of life.这个伟大的制度,在有其历史以来,一直处于国家和人民生活的核心。作为国会议员,你们与你们的先辈一样,在自己所处时代的法律和决策中,发挥着基础作用。国会作为我们宪法和生活中一块不可动摇的基石存留下来。
History links monarchs and Parliament, a connecting thread from one period to the next.So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second Sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.君主和国会贯彻了历史,就像一个时代与下一个时代的一条纽带。所以,在一个做些特别的事,比那些常规的、有价值的生活节奏更吸引人眼球的时代,我可以肯定自己是仅有的第二位庆祝“钻石大庆”的君主。
As today, it was my privilege to address you during my Silver and Golden Jubilees.Many of you were present ten years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977.Since my Accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve Prime Ministers.像今天一样,我很荣幸地曾在25周年和50周年纪念时向你们讲话。10年前,你们当中许多人都出席了,而一些人将回忆起1977年时的场景。自从我登基后,就成为威斯敏斯特宫的定期访客,据最新统计,很高兴我已经与12位首相进行了交流。
Over such a period, one can observe that the experience of venerable old age can be a mighty guide but not a prerequisite for success in public office.I am therefore very pleased to be addressing many younger Parliamentarians and also those bringing such a wide range of background and experience to your vital, national work.在此期间,你们可以看到,一个老人的宝贵经历可以成为公共部门的有力指导,但非成功的必要条件。因此,我非常高兴在许多年轻的国会议员面前讲话,同样,我也非常高兴在那些把许多背景和经历带到你们极为重要的、国家工作中去的人们面前讲话。
During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure.Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind.But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.He and I are very proud and grateful that The Prince of Wales and other members of our family are travelling on my behalf in this Diamond Jubilee year to visit all the Commonwealth Realms and a number of other Commonwealth countries.在位的这些年,家人给予了我几十年来极大的支持。我认为,菲利普亲王因为谢绝各种赞美而闻名。但他一直给予我力量和指引。在“钻石大庆”之年,威尔士亲王以及家族其他成员代表我出去访问英联邦王国和联邦内的许多其他国家,对此他和我都感到很自豪和表示感谢。
These overseas tours are a reminder of our close affinity with the Commonwealth, encompassing about one-third of the world’s population.My own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples.An organisation dedicated to certain values, the Commonwealth has flourished and grown by successfully promoting and protecting that contact.这些海外之旅提醒着我们与占据了世界三分之一人口的联邦国家之间的密切关系。我与联邦国家的交往,让我知道,国家之间最重要的联系是其人民之间的经常联系。作为致力于特定价值观的组织,联邦通过成功地促进并保护这种联系而得以繁荣和发展。
At home, Prince Philip and I will be visiting towns and cities up and down the land.It is my sincere hope that the Diamond Jubilee will be an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of neighbourliness and celebration of their own communities.在国内,菲利普亲王和我将到各地去访问。我真诚地希望“钻石大庆”是一次机会,让人民以和睦友好的态度聚在一起,为他们自己的社区庆祝。
We also hope to celebrate the professional and voluntary service given by millions of people across the country who are working for the public good.They are a source of vital support to the welfare and wellbeing of others, often unseen or overlooked.我们还希望庆祝全国数百万人为公共利益而提供的专业和志愿服务。他们是给予他人福利和安乐重要支持的源泉,但常常都不被看到或是被忽略。
And as we reflect upon public service, let us again be mindful of the remarkable sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces.Much may indeed have changed these past sixty years but the valour of those who risk their lives for the defence and freedom of us all remains undimmed.当我们回顾公共服务时,让我们再一次注意我们的军队所做的重大牺牲和所表现出的勇气。在这过去60年中,可能确实发生了很多变化,但是那些为了防卫和我们的自由而将生命置于危险之中的人的英勇之气却依然清晰可见。
The happy relationship I have enjoyed with Parliament has extended well beyond the more than three and a half thousand Bills I have signed into law.I am therefore very touched by the magnificent gift before me, generously subscribed by many of you.Should this beautiful window cause just a little extra colour to shine down upon this ancient place, I should gladly settle for that.我与国会之间有着良好的关系,这个关系并不仅仅体现在我已签署付诸法律效率的3,500多个法案。因此,呈在我面前的这个美妙礼物让我感动,你们许多人都为此做了慷慨捐献。这块漂亮的玻璃窗将让这座古老的宫殿接收到更多的阳光照射。我对这个安排很满意。
We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it.I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come.在这里,我们想到我们的过去,我们国家历史中的一幕幕,以及创造了这些诸如乐观、机智、宽容的美德。我有幸见证了历史中的一段,并在我的家人的支持下,在现在以及未来若干年,继续服务于我们伟大的国家和人民。
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第三篇:英国女王圣诞演讲
《英国社会生态概论》补充阅读一
Each year that passes seems to have its own character.Some leave us with a feeling of satisfaction, others are best forgotten.2009 was a difficult year for many, in particular those facing the continuing effects of the economic downturn.过去每年似乎都各具特点。一些年份让我们心满意足,一些年份则最好忘却。2009年对很多人来说都不好过,尤其是那些深受经济衰退之苦的人们。
I am sure that we have all been affected by events in Afghanistan and saddened by the casualties suffered by our forces serving there.Our thoughts go out to their relations and friends who have shown immense dignity in the face of great personal loss.我相信,我们所有人都受到阿富汗战事影响,为英军士兵伤亡感到悲伤。我们向这些士兵的家人和朋友表示慰问,他们面对巨大个人损失表现得无比高尚。
But we can be proud of the positive contribution that our servicemen and women are making, in conjunction with our allies.但我们应该为我们的士兵与盟友作出的积极贡献而感到骄傲。
Well over 13,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom, and across the Commonwealthare currently serving in Afghanistan.英国和包括加拿大、澳大利亚、新西兰和新加坡在内的英联邦国家眼下共有超过1.3万名士兵在阿富汗服役。
The debt of gratitude owed to these young men and women, and to their predecessors, is indeed profound.我们对这些年轻士兵以及先前在阿富汗服役过的士兵表示深深感激。
It is 60 years since the Commonwealth was created and today, with more than a billion of its members under the age of 25, the organisation remains a strong and practical force for good.今年是英联邦成立60周年,今天其成员国25岁以下人口超过10亿,为它保持长久的强大和实用提供了力量源泉。
Recently I attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago and heard how important the Commonwealth is to young people.最近我刚刚参加了在特立尼达和多巴哥举行的英联邦政府首脑会议,听到联邦对年轻人是多么重要。
《英国社会生态概论》补充阅读一
New communication technologies allow them to reach out to the wider world and share their experiences and viewpoints.For many, the practical assistance and networks of the Commonwealth can give skills, lend advice and encourage enterprise.新的通信技术使他们能够接触到更广阔的世界,分享他们的经验和观点。对于许多人来说,英联邦的实际援助与网络可以提供技能,给予意见和鼓励进取。
It is inspiring to learn of some of the work being done by these young people, who bring creativity and innovation to the challenges they face.令人鼓舞的是,我了解到一些年轻人正在做着一些事情,他们面对挑战,富于创造力和创新精神。
It is important to keep discussing issues that concern us all-there can by no more valuable role for our family of nations.I have been closely associated with the Commonwealth through most of its existence.对关系到我们所有人的问题保持讨论很重要,它让我们的大家庭产生更大的价值。在英联邦成立以来的大部分时间里,我都同它联系紧密。
The personal and living bond I have enjoyed with leaders, and with people the world over, has always been more important in promoting our unity than symbolism alone.我个人同各国领袖、人民密不可分。这不单是象征意义,也能促进我们的团结。
The Commonwealth is not an organisation with a mission.It is rather an opportunity for its people to work together to achieve practical solutions to problems.英联邦并非一个具某种使命的组织,而更是一个让各国人民合作、解决困难的平台。In many aspects of our lives, whether in sport, the environment, business or culture, the Commonwealth connection remains vivid and enriching.在涉及我们生活的许多方面,不论是体育、环境、商业或文化,英联邦国家之间的联系紧密而丰富。
It is, in lots of ways, the face of the future.And with continuing support and dedication, I am confident that this diverse Commonwealth of nations can strengthen the common bond that transcends politics, religion, race and economic circumstances.在很多方面这展现未来的前景。随着不断的支持和贡献,我相信英联邦国家的多元化能加强各国在政治、宗教、种族和经济环境的凝聚力。
《英国社会生态概论》补充阅读一
We know that Christmas is a time for celebration and family reunions;but it is also a time to reflect on what confronts those less fortunate than ourselves, at home and throughout the world.众所周知,圣诞节是欢庆与家人团聚的时候,但我们也可以借这个时机回顾那些国内外不幸者面临的困境。
Christians are taught to love their neighbours, having compassion and concern, and being ready to undertake charity and voluntary work to ease the burden of deprivation and disadvantage.基督徒被教导要爱他们的邻居,有同情心,乐于慈善和志愿工作,以减轻贫困和不利的负担。
We may ourselves be confronted by a bewildering array of difficulties and challenges, but we must never cease to work for a better future for ourselves and for others.我们自己会面临一连串的困难和挑战,这些困难和挑战会令我们感到困惑,但我们绝不能停下脚步。而应该继续努力,为自己和他人创造更美好的未来。I wish you all, wherever you may be, a very happy Christmas.不论你们现时身在何处,我都祝愿你们圣诞快乐。
第四篇:英国女王圣诞演讲2012
others are best forgotten.2009 was a difficult year for many, in particular those facing the continuing effects of the economic downturn.过去每年似乎都各具特点。一些年份让我们心满意足,一些年份则最好忘却。2009年对很多人来说都不好过,尤其是那些深受经济衰退之苦的人们。
I am sure that we have all been affected by events in Afghanistan and saddened by the casualties suffered by our forces serving there.Our thoughts go out to their relations and friends who have shown immense dignity in the face of great personal loss.我相信,我们所有人都受到阿富汗战事影响,为英军士兵伤亡感到悲伤。我们向这些士兵的家人和朋友表示慰问,他们面对巨大个人损失表现得无比高尚。conjunction with our allies.但我们应该为我们的士兵与盟友作出的积极贡献而感到骄傲。
Well over 13,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom, and across the Commonwealthare currently serving in Afghanistan.英国和包括加拿大、澳大利亚、新西兰和新加坡在内的英联邦国家眼下共有超过1.3万名士兵在阿富汗服役。
The debt of gratitude owed to these young men and women, and to their predecessors, is indeed profound.我们对这些年轻士兵以及先前在阿富汗服役过的士兵表示深深感激。under the age of 25, the organisation remains a strong and practical force for good.今年是英联邦成立60周年,今天其成员国25岁以下人口超过10亿,为它保持长久的强大和实用提供了力量源泉。
Recently I attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago and heard how important the Commonwealth is to young people.最近我刚刚参加了在特立尼达和多巴哥举行的英联邦政府首脑会议,听到联邦对年轻人是多么重要。New communication technologies allow them to reach out to the wider world and share their experiences and viewpoints.For many, the practical assistance and networks of the Commonwealth can give skills, lend advice and encourage enterprise.援助与网络可以提供技能,给予意见和鼓励进取。
It is inspiring to learn of some of the work being done by these young people, who bring creativity and innovation to the challenges they face.令人鼓舞的是,我了解到一些年轻人正在做着一些事情,他们面对挑战,富于创造力和创新精神。It is important to keep discussing issues that concern us all-there can by no more valuable role for our family of nations.I have been closely associated with the Commonwealth through most of its existence.对关系到我们所有人的问题保持讨论很重要,它让我们的大家庭产生更大的价值。在英联邦成立以来的大部分时间里,我都同它联系紧密。always been more important in promoting our unity than symbolism alone.我个人同各国领袖、人民密不可分。这不单是象征意义,也能促进我们的团结。
The Commonwealth is not an organisation with a mission.It is rather an opportunity for its people to work together to achieve practical solutions to problems.英联邦并非一个具某种使命的组织,而更是一个让各国人民合作、解决困难的平台。
In many aspects of our lives, whether in sport, the environment, business or culture, the Commonwealth connection remains vivid and enriching.在涉及我们生活的许多方面,不论是体育、环境、商业或文化,英联邦国家之间的联系紧密而丰富。am confident that this diverse Commonwealth of nations can strengthen the common bond that transcends politics, religion, race and economic circumstances.在很多方面这展现未来的前景。随着不断的支持和贡献,我相信英联邦国家的多元化能加强各国在政治、宗教、种族和经济环境的凝聚力。
We know that Christmas is a time for celebration and family reunions;but it is also a time to reflect on what confronts those less fortunate than ourselves, at home and throughout the world.众所周知,圣诞节是欢庆与家人团聚的时候,但我们也可以借这个时机回顾那些国内外不幸者面临的困境。Christians are taught to love their neighbours, having compassion and concern, and being ready to undertake charity and voluntary work to ease the burden of deprivation and disadvantage.基督徒被教导要爱他们的邻居,有同情心,乐于慈善和志愿工作,以减轻贫困和不利的负担。never cease to work for a better future for ourselves and for others.我们自己会面临一连串的困难和挑战,这些困难和挑战会令我们感到困惑,但我们绝不能停下脚步。而应该继续努力,为自己和他人创造更美好的未来。
I wish you all, wherever you may be, a very happy Christmas.不论你们现时身在何处,我都祝愿你们圣诞快乐。
第五篇:英国女王2013 圣诞演讲
Unit7 Things: The Throw-away Society一次性社会
“Barbie,” a twelve-inch plastic teen-ager, is the best known and best-selling doll in history.Since its introduction in 1959, the Barbie doll population of the world has grown to 12,000,000— more than the human population of Los Angeles or London or Paris.Little girls adore Barbie because she is highly realistic and eminently dress-upable.Mattel, Inc., maker of Barbie, also sells a complete wardrobe for her, including clothes for ordinary daytime wear, clothes for formal party wear, clothes for swimming and skiing.十二英寸高的塑料小人“芭比”曾是历史上最著名最畅销的洋娃娃,自从1959年问世以来,全世界的芭比娃娃的数量增长到1200,0000人—比洛杉矶,伦敦和巴黎任何一个城市的人口还要多。小女孩热衷芭比娃娃是因为他很像真的而且可以任意更换衣服,作为芭比娃娃的生产厂家,Mattel公司还出售芭比的整体衣柜,包括日常便装,正式晚装,泳装和滑雪衫。
Recently Mattel announced a new improved Barbie doll.The new version has a slimmer figure, “real” eyelashes and a twist-and turn waist that makes her more humanoid than ever.Moreover, Mattel announced that, for the first time, any young lady wishing to purchase a new Barbie would receive a trade-in allowance for her old one.旧货换新折让
最近Mattel公司推出一款更高级的芭比娃娃,这个新产品身材更苗条,有仿真睫毛,又可以扭转弯曲的腰肢,所有这些特点使其更加人性化。此外,M公司还首次宣布,任何一个购买芭比娃娃的女士都可以获得旧芭比娃娃的折价优惠。
What Mattel did not announce was that by trading in her old doll for a technologically improved modes, the little girl of today, citizen of tomorrow’s super-industrial world, would learn a fundamental lesson about the new society: that man’s relationships with things are increasingly temporary.M公司所没有宣布的是,通过折旧芭比娃娃来销售新款芭比娃娃,今天的小女孩,明天工业化社会的公民就会得出这样一个对社会的基本认识:人类和物品的关系越来越短暂。
The ocean of man-made physical objects that surrounds us is set within a larger ocean of natural objects.But increasingly, it is the technologically produced environment that matters for the individual.The texture of plastic or concrete, the iridescent glisten of an automobile under a streetlight, the staggering vision of a cityscape seen from the window of a jet— these are the intimate realities of his existence.Man-made things enter into and color his consciousness.Their number is expandingwith explosive force, both absolutely and relative to the natural environment.This will be even more true in super-industrial society than it is today.我们周围人造物品的海洋外围还有更广阔的自然物品的海洋。但是这个技术制造的环境逐渐影响着人类。塑料或混凝土结构,街灯下霓虹闪烁的汽车,从飞机窗口俯瞰到的缓慢移动的城市—这些人类的亲密伙伴。人造物品进入并影响了人类意识,其数量急剧增长,无论是就绝对而言还是相对而言。这种现象在将来的后工业化社会会更加突出。
Anti-materialists tend to deride the importance of “things.” Yet things are highly significant, not merely because of their functional utility, but also because of their psychological impact.We develop relationships with things.Things affect our sense of foreshortening of our relationships with things accelerates the pace of life.唯心主义者试图否认物品的重要性,但是物品是非常重要的,不仅因为它有实用功能,还因为其对精神的影响,我们发展和物品的关系,物品影响我们对关联和断联的意识。他们在情景结构中的作用,我们和物品关系的缩短加快了生活的节奏。
Moreover, our attitudes toward things reflect basic value judgments.Nothing could be more dramatic than the difference between the new breed of little girls who cheerfully turn in their Barbies for the new improved model and those who, like their mothers and grandmothers before them, clutch lingeringly and lovingly to the same doll until it disintegrates from sheer age.In this difference lies the contrast between past and future, between societies based on permanence, and the new, fast-forming society based on transience.此外,我们对物品的态度反映了基本的价值评判。有的小女孩兴高采烈的把她们的芭比娃娃换成新款高级的娃娃,有的小女孩象她们的母亲和祖母年少时一样,终日抱着同一个娃娃,形影不离,爱不释手,直到长大后娃娃从生活中消失,没有什么比这更具有戏剧性的对比了。这种不同在于过去和未来的对比,对于永久的社会和新的变幻无常的社会的对比。
That man-thing relationships are growing more and more temporary may be illustrated by examining the culture surrounding the little girl who trades in her doll.This child soon learns that Barbie dolls are by no means the only physical objects that pass into and out of her young life at a rapid clip.Diapers, bibs, paper napkins, Kleenex, towels, non-returnable soda bottles—all are used up quickly in her home and ruthlessly eliminated.Corn muffins come in baking tins that are thrown away after one use.Spinach is encased in plastic sacks that can be dropped into a pan of boiling water for heating, and then thrown away.TV dinners are cooked and often served on throw-away trays.Her home is a large processing machine through which objects flow, entering and leaving, at a faster and faster rate of speed.From birth on, she is inextricably embedded in a throw-away culture.观察一下旧芭比换新芭比的小女孩身后的文化就可以看出人类和物品间的关系越来越短暂,这些孩子很快会知道有很多物品以极快的速度进入并离开他们的生活,不只是芭比娃娃。纸尿裤,围裙,纸巾,手绢,非循环使用的苏打汽水瓶—所有这些在她家被迅速使用,有的被无情的丢弃。玉米松饼放进一次性的烤罐,菠菜放进塑料袋中,这种塑料袋可以一起放进沸水锅中加热然后丢弃。电视上的烹饪节目也经常使用一次性的碟子。她的家就是一个大型处理机器,通过这个机器,物品以越来越快的速度不断流动,进入又离开,从出生开始,她就被包围在一次性的文化中。
The idea of using a product once or for a brief period and then replacing it, runs counter to the grain of societies or individuals steeped in a heritage of poverty.Not long ago Uriel Rone, a market researcher for the French advertising agency Publicis, told me: “The French housewife is not used to disposable products.She likes to keep things, even old things, rather than throw-away curtain.We did a marketing study for them and found the resistance too strong.” This resistance, however, is dying all over the developed world.对一次性物品的使用让人想到了粮食问题和祖祖辈辈生活在贫困中的人,不久前,法国广告代理公司P的一位市场调查员U R 告诉我“法国的家庭主妇并不习惯于使用一次性的产品,:她们喜欢把东西留着,即使是旧物品也不会丢。我们代表公司宣传一种一次性的塑料窗帘。我们队她们作市场调查,却发现她们的抵制情绪很强。”这种抵制在其他发达国家越来越少了。
Thus a writer, Edward Maze, has pointed out that many Americans visiting Sweden in the early 1950’s were astounded by its cleanliness.“We were almost awed by the fact that there were no beer and soft drink bottles by the road sides, as, much to our shame, there were in America.But by the 1960’s lo and behold, bottles were suddenly blooming along Swedish highways„ What happened? Sweden had become a buy, use and throw-away society, following the American pattern.” In Japan today throw-away tissues are so universal that cloth handkerchiefs are regarded as old fashioned, not to say unsanitary.In England for sixpence one may buy a “Dentamatic throw-away toothbrush” which comes already coated with toothpaste for its one-time use.And even in France, disposable cigarette lighters are commonplace.Form cardboard milk containers to the rockets that power space vehicles, products created for short-term or one-time use are becoming more numerous and crucial to our way of life.因此,作家E M 指出在十二世纪五十年代初期,很多区瑞典观光的美国人都被瑞典的干净所震惊“让我们敬佩的是路边没有一个啤酒瓶和软饮料瓶,而自惭形秽的是,美国到处都是。但是到二十世纪六十年代,看看吧,各种瓶瓶罐罐凸现在瑞典的高速公路上„„怎么了?跟美国一样,瑞典已经变成一个购买,使用一次性物品的国家了。在当今的日本,一次性的纸巾非常普遍,手绢已经老土了,而且也不卫生。在英国,花七便士就可以买到已经挤好牙膏,一次性使用的牙刷。即使在法国,一次性的打火机也很普遍,从牛奶纸盒到为太空提供动力的火箭,它们对我们的生活起着越来越重要的作用。
The recent introduction of paper and quasi-paper clothing carried the trend toward disposability a step further.Fashionable boutiques and working-class clothing stores have sprouted whole departments devoted to gaily colored and imaginatively designed paper apparel.Fashion magazines display breathtakingly sumptuous gowns, coats, pajamas, even wedding dresses made of paper.The bride pictured in one of these wears a long white train of lace-like paper that, the caption writer notes, will make “great kitchen curtains” after the ceremony.刚上市的纸衣服或者类似纸的衣服将一次性文化更推进了一步。时尚饰品店和工薪阶层服装店已经陆续出现一个全新的部门,这个部门专门负责那些色彩艳丽设计特别的纸衣服。时尚杂志展示了价格惊人的纸长袍,纸外套,纸睡袍,甚至纸婚纱和礼服。图中的新娘穿着仿蕾丝纸做成的白色长袍裙,标题写道:这条裙子在婚礼结束后可以做成“不错的厨房窗帘”。
Paper clothes are particularly suitably for children, Writes one fashion expert: “Little girls will soon be able to spill ice cream, draw pictures and make cutouts on their clothes while their mothers smile benignly at their creativity.” And for adults who want to express their own creativity, there is even a “paint-yourself-dress” complete with brushes.Price: $2.00.纸衣服是最适合孩子的。一位时尚专家写道:“小孩子会乱溅冰激凌,而且他可以在纸衣服上画画,或者贴剪纸画,而母亲在一旁微笑的赞许其创造力。”对于想展示创造力的成年人,可以买一种配有刷子的“自助衣服”,价格两美元。
Price, of course, is a critical factor behind the paper explosion.Thus a department store features simple A-line dresses made of what it calls “devil-may-care cellulose fiber and nylon.” At $1.29 each, it is almost cheaper for the consumer to buy and discard a new one than to send an ordinary dress to the cleaners.Soon it will be.But more than economics is involved, for the extension of the throw-away culture has important psychological consequences.当然,价格是纸用品猛增的重要原因。因此有一家百货商店很有特色,店内全是清一色的衣服,这些衣服都是用被称作“魔鬼也会留意的纤维和尼龙”做成的。每件事1.29美元,对于消费者来说,一次性要比普通衣服送进洗衣店要便宜的多。但不仅仅是经济问题,一次性文化的蔓延还带来了不容忽视的精神影响。
***We develop a throw-away mentality to match our throw-away products.This mentality produces, among other things, a set of radically altered values with respect to property.But the spread of disposability through the society also implies decreased durations in man-thing relationships.Instead of being linked with a single object over a relatively long span of time, we are linked for brief periods with the succession of objects that supplant it.我们已经形成了一种一次性的心态,来适应一次性的产品。这种心态使得我们对于物品的价值观产生了巨大的改变。然而社会中的一次性文化的蔓延也预示着人类和物品的关系持续的时间越来越短。我们只是和一系列马上将被代替的物品保持短期的联系,而不是和某一物品保持长期的联系。
Unit8Cultivating a Hobby 培养一种业余爱好
A gifted American psychologist has said, “Worry is a spasm of the emotion;the mind catches hold of something and will not let it go.” It is useless to argue with the mind in this condition.The stronger the will is, the more futile the task is.One can only gently insinuate something else into its rightly chosen, if it is really attended by the illumination of another field of interest, gradually, and often quite swiftly, the old undue grip relaxes and the process of recuperation and repair, begins.美国一位天才心理学家曾经说过:“忧虑是一阵情感的冲动,意识一旦陷入某种状态,这种状态将很难被改变。”在这种情况下,与意识去抗争是徒劳的。意志力越强,这种抗争就越显得徒劳无益。这时,唯一的解决办法只能是悄悄的渗入某种新的东西,来分散注意力。如果这种新的东西选择恰当,而且确实能激起你对另一领域的兴趣,渐渐地、而且经常是非常迅速地,你过分紧张的情绪就会缓解,你又开始恢复到原来的状态。
The cultivation of a hobby and the forms of interest is therefore a policy of first importance to a public man.But this is not a business that can be untaken in a day or swiftly improvised by a mere command of the will.The growth of alternative mental interests is a long process.The seeds must be carefully chosen;they must fall on good ground;they must be sedulously tended, if the vivifying fruits are to be at band when needed.因此,对一个公众人物来说,培养一种业余爱好、一种新的兴趣显得尤为重要。但这不是一件一朝一日或凭一时的意气就能一蹴而就的事情。这种替代忧虑的心理兴趣培养是一个长期的过程。它的种子必须要精挑细选,然后播撒到肥沃的土壤中,要想得到籽粒饱满、需要时随手可摘的果实,还必须对他们精心呵护。
To be really happy really safe, one ought to have at least two or three hobbies, and they must all be real.It is no use starting late in life to say: “I will take an interest in this or that.” Such an attempt only aggravates the strain of mental effort.A man may acquire great knowledge of topics unconnected with his daily work, and yet hardly get any benefit or relief.It is no use doing what you like;you have got to like what you do.Broadly speaking, human beings may be divided into three classes;those who are toiled to death, those who are worried to death, and those who are bored to death.It is no use offering the manual laborer, tired out with a hard week’s sweat and effort, the chance of playing a game of football or baseball on Saturday afternoon.It is no use inviting the politician or the professional or businessman, who has been working or worrying about serious things for six days, to work or worry about trifling things at the week-end.要想真正的快乐,而且每次都能真正奏效,一个人必须有两种或三种业余爱好,而且必须是真正的业余爱好。一个人到了晚年才说:“我要培养这种或那种兴趣。”那已经没有任何意义了。这种尝试只能更加增加大脑的压力。一个人可能具有与他日常工作无关的大量的知识,但这些知识并无助于他减轻心理压力。随心所欲的做你喜欢的工作不会帮你减轻心理压力,而是你必须设法喜欢你目前所做的工作。大致来说,人可分为三类:第一类人是累死;第二类人是愁死;第三类人是烦死。体力劳动者经过一周的辛勤劳动已经筋疲力尽,再让他们在周六下午踢足球或打棒球无助于消除他们的疲劳。让那些为一些大事已经连续工作或烦恼了六天的政治家、专业人员或工商界人士来说,在周末的时候让他们为一些鸡毛蒜皮的小事烦恼费神,也不会使他们身心轻松。
As for the unfortunate people who can command everything they want, who can gratify every caprice and lay their hands on almost every object of desire — for them a new pleasure, a new excitement is only an additional satiation.In vain they rush frantically round from place to place, trying to escape from avenging boredom by mere clatter and motion.For them discipline in one form or another is the most hopeful path.对于那些不幸的人:那些可以随意发号施令;那些随心所欲,无所不能的人,新的乐趣、新的喜悦对他们来说是无所谓的事情。他们狂乱地从一个地方跑到另一个地方、想通过不断换地方的这种方式来摆脱烦恼,这是徒劳的。对他们来说,条理、规矩是他们最有希望摆脱烦恼的办法。
It may also be said that rational, industrious, useful human beings are dividing into two classes: first, those whose work is work and whose pleasure is pleasure;and secondly, those whose work and pleasure are one.Of these the former is majority.They have their compensations.The long hours in the office or the factory bring with them as their reward, not only the means of sustenance(生计), but a keen appetite for leisure even in its simplest and most modest forms.在办公室或工厂里长时间的工作,不仅带给他们维持生计的金钱,还带给他们一种渴求娱乐的强烈欲望,哪怕这种娱乐消遣是以最简单、最朴实的方式进行的。But Fortune’s favored children belong to the second class.Their life is a natural harmony.For them the working hours are never long enough.Each day is a holiday, and ordinary holidays when they come are grudged as enforced interruptions in an absorbing vocation.Yet to both classes the need of an alternative outlook, of a change of atmosphere, of a diversion of effort, is essential.Indeed, it may well be that those whose work is their pleasure are those who most need the means of banishing it at intervals from their minds.也可以说,理智、勤奋、有才能的人可以分为两类:第一类是工作与娱乐泾渭分明;第二类人是工作与娱乐合二为一。大多数人属于前者。他们有他们的报酬。长时间在办公室或工厂的辛勤劳作不仅使他们得到了维持生命的薪水,而且培养了他们追求快乐的强烈愿望,即使仅仅是那些最简单、最朴实的形式。然而命运女神所偏爱的却是第二类人。他们的生活自然、和谐。对他们来说,工作的时间永远都不够长。每一天都是假期,法定假期到来时,他们不愿休假,埋怨(认为)这是强行中断干扰了他们精彩的假期。然而,这两类人都必须改变一下他们的观点,调整一下气氛、转移一下奋斗的方向。事实上或许那些以工作为乐的人正是那些最需要通过一种兴趣或爱好使自己适时忘记自己工作的人。