B1U5T1 Citizen Ben's Great Virtues
文本细读
商务英语综合教程
- Benjamin Franklin有很多title,例如one of the founding fathers, scientist, politician, printer, author, inventor,但是标题在这里并没有使用其中一个,而是用了citizen。个人认为Citizen在这里使用有双重效果,首先,citizen说白了就是common man,将Ben说为citizen,凸显了他与民亲近,并没有高高在上。再者,作者在文中不止一次提到Benjamin Franklin对于美国性格as a whole产生了一定的影响,使得美国性格中也具备了他所具备的一些特点,因此,这里也可以理解为 Ben's Great Virtues as a common America。
- 作者介绍看这里。
- Benjamin Franklin简介看这里。
- virtue:美德、优良品性、良好习惯 | civic/public virtue 公德
Benjamin Franklin is the founding father who winks at us. George Washington's colleagues found it hard to imagine touching the austere general on the shoulder, and we would find it even more so today. Jefferson and Adams are just as intimidating. But Ben Franklin, that genial urban entrepreneur, seems made of flesh rather than marble, addressable by nickname, and he turns to us from history's stage with eyes that twinkle from behind those spectacles.
Benjamin Franklin is the founding father who winks at us.
- founding father 开国元勋、国父、建国者
- 在美国被视为founding father的人不止一位。在本段后面出现的George Washington、[Thomas] Jefferson和[John] Adams也都是founding father。在第一段中就将Ben与其他国父进行了比较。
- wink at:~ (at sb) close one eye very briefly, esp as a private signal to sb 眨一只眼(尤指向某人使眼色): He winked at me to show that he was playing a joke on the others. 他向我眨了眨一只眼, 意思是他正在开别人的玩笑. | 一般,只有与对方很熟悉的情况下,才会眨眼睛、使眼色,这一句挑明Ben与平头百姓的亲近。
George Washington's colleagues found it hard to imagine touching the austere general on the shoulder, and we would find it even more so today.
- find it hard to do ... 发现做……很难
- touch sb. on the shoulder 拍/碰某人的肩膀
- austere: someone who is austere is very strict and serious 严肃的、不苟言笑的
- general:将军
- and we would find it even more so today: so这里指的是hard,and we would find it even harder [to touch a general on the shoulder] today
Jefferson and Adams are just as intimidating.
- Jefferson and Adams are just as intimidating [as George Washington].
- [Thomas] Jefferson,简介看这里。
- [John] Adams,简介看这里。
- intimidating:If you describe someone or something as intimidating, you mean that they are frightening and make people lose confidence. 吓人的、令人生畏的
But Ben Franklin, that genial urban entrepreneur, seems made of flesh rather than marble, addressable by nickname, and he turns to us from history's stage with eyes that twinkle from behind those spectacles.
- genial:kindly; pleasant; sociable 和蔼的; 亲切的; 友好的: a genial person, manner, smile 和蔼可亲的人﹑ 举止﹑ 微笑.
- entrepreneur:企业家(别忘了富兰克林也是出版商、印刷商,因此可以视为是entrepreneur)
- seems made of flesh rather than marble 像是用肉而不是大理石制成的。现代人在回想国父的时候,通常是通过大理石雕塑这样的形象,但是富兰克林却显得比大理石更有些有肉
- addressable by nickname: can be addressed by nickname
address: ~ sb as sth use (a particular name or title) in speaking or writing to sb 用(某姓名或头衔)称呼某人: Don't address me as `Colonel': I'm only a major. 不要称我‘上校’, 我只是少校.
可以用绰号来叫他(例如课文中就直接叫Ben)
- turn to sb. 转向某人、转过头来对着某人
- twinkle: 原意是指星星闪耀,现在用来形容人的眼睛闪闪发亮、闪着光辉
- spectacles:glasses 眼镜
本杰明的许多图片是不带眼睛的,但其实本杰明是戴眼镜的,例如有些图片或荧幕中对Ben的塑造是像下面这样的:
He helped invent America's unique style of homespun humor and philosophical pragmatism. In foreign policy, he create an approach that wove together idealism with balance-of-power realism. In politics, he proposed seminal plans for uniting the colonies and creating a federal model for a national government. And he was the person most responsible, of all the Founders, for instilling in the new nation the virtue that is central to its role in the world struggle: that of tolerance, specifically religious tolerance.
He helped invent America's unique style of homespun humor and philosophical pragmatism.
- help do sth
- invent:To use ingenuity in making, developing, or achieving 发明(原来没有的东西)。这里的意思也是说富兰克林在一定程度上塑造了美国现在的性格。
- homespun: 原意:Spun or woven in the home(在家里自己织的[布匹、麻布等]),引申意:Simple and homely; unpretentious 简单、朴素、不造作的,例如:homespun philosophy/wisdom
- pragmatism:(in philosophy) belief that the truth or value of a theory can only be judged by its practical results (哲学)实用主义
- 要了解富兰克林的实用主义精神,可以看这篇文章。
In foreign policy, he create an approach that wove together idealism with balance-of-power realism.
- foreign policy:外交政策
- approach:way of dealing with a person or thing 方法; 手段: a new approach to language teaching 语言教学的新方法
- weave:原意是编、织,这里引申为有机地结合在一起、结合
- idealism:理想主义
- balance-of-power:权力平衡
- realism:现实主义
In politics, he proposed seminal plans for uniting the colonies and creating a federal model for a national government.
- propose: offer or put forward (sth) for consideration; suggest 提议, 建议(某事物)
- seminal:containing important new ideas and being very influential on later work 有创造力的,对未来有影响的;重大的 例如:a seminal idea in the creation of a new theory
- colony:殖民地
- federal:联邦的、同盟的
- model:模型
- creating a federal model for a national goverment 为国家政府创造一个联邦的模型(后来美国就是依照这样的联邦模型实施的,这里的模型并不是实体模型,而是一种制度的模型)
And he was the person most responsible, of all the Founders, for instilling in the new nation the virtue that is central to its role in the world struggle: that of tolerance, specifically religious tolerance.
- of all the Founders 在所有国父之中
- be responsible for: being the cause (of sth) 作为(某事物的)原因; 应归咎或归功(於某事物) 例句:Smoking is responsible for many cases of lung cancer. 吸烟是许多人患肺癌的致病因素
- instill: to make someone have a particular feeling or belief | instill sth in sb: His parents had instilled a lasting love of music in him.
- that of tolerance: the virtue of tolerance,这里的that指代的是前面的the virture
- tolerance: willingness to accept behaviour and beliefs which are different from your own, although you might not agree with or approve of them 宽容、容忍
- specifically:确切地说、特别[是]
- religious tolerance: 宗教宽容
We can get a glimpse of his influence on the American character by looking at some outstanding virtues and traits that he, more than anyone, helped to imprint onto our national fabric.
We can get a glimpse of his influence on the American character by looking at some outstanding virtues and traits that he, more than anyone, helped to imprint onto our national fabric.
- get a glimpse of ...: get a quick look at (sb/sth) 匆匆看一下
- influence on
- American character 美国的性格
- trait: element in sb's personality; distinguishing characteristic 人的个性; 显着的特点; 特徵: One of his less attractive traits is criticizing his wife in public. 他有个不大讨人喜欢的特点, 就是爱当众责备妻子.
- he, more than anyone, ...:more than anyone 比其他人更……
- imprint:原意是压上痕迹、印上痕迹,引申为对……造成了永久的影响、为……印上永久的标志、特征等,使铭记
- fabric:原意为织物,引申为 basic structure with its way of life, relationships, and traditions | national fabric 如果直译为国家结构的话,会遗失掉很多隐含的意义,也有人译为国家的肌理
HUMILITY
When Franklin made his list of personal virtues he was intent on acquiring, he very proudly showed it around to his friends, one of whom pointed out that he had left one off. Franklin was often guilty of "pride," the friend said, citing many examples. So Franklin added "humility" to his list.
- humility: humble attitude of mind; modesty 谦虚的态度; 谦逊: a person of great humility 很谦虚的人 * I say this in all humility, ie without wishing to appear boastful. 我说的决不过分(无意夸张).
When Franklin made his list of personal virtues he was intent on acquiring, he very proudly showed it around to his friends, one of whom pointed out that he had left one off.
- 富兰克林的这个list可以看这里。
- be intent on doing: having the stated firm intention 热衷; 坚决: He's intent on getting promotion, and no one's going to stop him! 他一心一意想得到晋升, 谁也劝阻不了他。
- acquire:gain (sth) by one's own ability, efforts or behaviour (靠自己的能力﹑ 努力或行为而)获得, 得到(某事物): acquire a good knowledge of English | 此处获得某种美德,也用的acquire a virture
- show sth. around 到处展示、到处拿给人看。show sb. around 带某人到处走走看看
- point out之处
- leave:neglect or fail to take or bring (sth) 忽略或未拿或未带(某物): I've left my gloves on the bus. 我把手套落在公共汽车上了 | leave sth. off 漏掉某事物
Franklin was often guilty of "pride," the friend said, citing many examples.
- be guilty of ...:responsible for behaviour that is morally or socially unacceptable 做了某件道德上或社会无法接受的事,在文中没有这么严重,指的是 犯……的过错
- cite:mention (sth) as an example or to support an argument; refer to 引证(某事物)(为例或以支持一论点): She cited the high unemployment figures as evidence of the failure of government policy. 她引证庞大的失业数字以证明政府政策的失误.
In a newspaper piece called "On Conversation," Franklin stressed the importance of deferring -- or at least giving the appearance of deferring -- to others. Otherwise, even the smartest comments would "occasion envy and disgust." His secret for how to win friends and influence people read like an ealy Dale Carnegie course: "Would you win the hearts of others, you must not seem to vie with them, but to admire them. Give them every opportunity of displaying their own qualifications, and when you have indulged their vanity, they will praise you in turn and prefer you above others ... Such is the vanity of mankind that minding what others say is a much surer way of pleasing them than talking well ourselves."
In a newspaper piece called "On Conversation," Franklin stressed the importance of deferring -- or at least giving the appearance of deferring -- to others.
- piece: 这里指的应该就是报纸上的一篇文章
- stress: put stress or emphasis on (sth) 着重, 强调(某事物) 例句:He stressed the point that.... 他强调这一点.... I must stress that what I say is confidential. 我要强调我说的话是保密的.
- defer:这里的defer不是推迟的意思,~ to sb/sth give way to sb or sb's wishes, judgement, etc, usu out of respect 服从某人的意愿﹑ 判断等; (通常为)遵从: On technical matters, I defer to the experts. 在技术问题上, 我遵从专家的意见. * I defer to your greater experience in such things. 在这些问题上, 我尊重你丰富的经验.
- give the appearance of: 表现出……的样子、装作
Otherwise, even the smartest comments would "occasion envy and disgust."
- occasion作动词:be the cause of sth 引起或招致某事物; 为某事物的原因: What occasioned such an angry response? 何故引起如此愤怒的反应? * Stephen's behaviour occasioned his parents much anxiety. 斯蒂芬的行为使其父母十分担心.
- envy:妒忌、嫉妒;disgust:反感、嫌恶
His secret for how to win friends and influence people read like an ealy Dale Carnegie course
- win friends 赢得朋友
- read: [I] give a certain impression 给予某种印象: The story reads well/badly. 这篇小说读起来很不错[不好]. * The poem reads like (ie sounds as if it is) a translation. 这首诗听起来像是翻译作品.
- Dale Carnegie: 戴尔·卡耐基 著名的成功学作者 简介看这里。
Would you win the hearts of others, you must not seem to vie with them, but to admire them.
- Would you win the hearts of others:虚拟语气倒装 If you would win the hearts of others
- vie with: compete keenly with sb (for sth); rival sb for sth 与某人(为某事物)激烈竞争; 与某人争夺某事物: old rivals vying (with each other) for first place (彼此)争夺第一名的老对手 * Businesses vied with each other to attract customers. 各商行互相竞争以招揽顾客.
- admire: regard sb/sth with respect, pleasure, satisfaction, etc 钦佩﹑ 赞赏﹑ 羡慕某人[某事物; express admiration of (sb/sth) 表示赞美, 夸奖(某人[某事物])
Give them every opportunity of displaying their own qualifications, and when you have indulged their vanity, they will praise you in turn and prefer you above others ...
- qualification: A quality, ability, or accomplishment that makes a person suitable for a particular position or task 资格、资历,个人感觉这里尅笼统地译为 能力
- indulge: satisfy (a perhaps unwarranted or illicit desire) 满足(可能为不正当的或不应有的愿望): Will you indulge my curiosity and tell me how much it cost? 你能不能满足我的好奇心, 告诉我那值多少钱? * She indulges his every whim. 她对他的怪念头有求必应. | indulge their vanity 满足他们的虚荣心
- vanity: having too high an opinion of one's looks, abilities, etc; conceit 自负; 虚荣; 虚荣心: not a trace of vanity in her behaviour 在她的举止中毫无虚荣表现。
- in turn: one after the other in an agreed order 接下来就轮到他们来夸奖你了
- prefer表示偏向于、更喜欢的时候,经常与介词to连用,此处使用above others也能充分表达出对[你]更加喜爱的意思
Such is the vanity of mankind that minding what others say is a much surer way of pleasing them than talking well ourselves.
- such: referring back 用以指前文讲过的东西
- mind: pay attention to or care about (sth) 注意, 关心 例句:I mind what people think about me. 我很注意人们对我的看法. * I mind whether you like me or not. 你是否喜欢我, 我很重视这件事.
- sure:proven and reliable; trustworthy 经证明可靠的; 可信的: no sure remedy for a cold 没有包治感冒的灵丹妙药 * There's only one sure way to do it. 做此事只有一种万全之策.
- please:be agreeable to (sb); make (sb) happy 使(某人)满意或愉快: It's difficult to please everybody. 很难做到人人满意。
COMPROMISE
Throughout his life, one of his mantras had been, "Both sides must part with some of their demands." He used this phrase many times, but never more notably than when the Constitutional Convention became deadlocked on the issue of whether the new Congress should be proportioned by population or have equal votes for each state.
- compromise: giving up of certain demands by each side in a dispute, so that an agreement may be reached which satisfies both to some extent 妥协; 和解; 谅解; 折衷: Most wage claims are settled by compromise. 对提高工资的要求大多都能折衷解决
Throughout his life, one of his mantras had been, "Both sides must part with some of their demands."
- mantra: 原意是印度教或佛教中重复诵念的词句“咒语”,引申为:a word or phrase representing a rule or principle which someone often uses 一个人嘴上总是挂在嘴边的规矩或原则(而这个规矩或原则,别人可能不以为然)
- both side:双方
- part with:give away or relinquish sth 放弃或出让某物: Despite his poverty, he refused to part with the family jewels. 他尽管贫穷, 却不肯变卖家中的珠宝. * He hates parting with (ie spending) his money. 他很不喜欢花钱.
- demands:需求、要求;供需:supply and demand
- 在他一生中,总放在嘴边的一个原则就是“双方都要放弃一部分自己的要求。”(双方都要做出一定的妥协。)
He used this phrase many times, but never more notably than when the Constitutional Convention became deadlocked on the issue of whether the new Congress should be proportioned by population or have equal votes for each state.
- never more notably than ... 从来都没有像……这样引人注意过,换一种译法是:但最引人注目的一次是……
- notable:deserving to be noticed; remarkable 值得注意的; 显着的; 着名的: a notable success, event, discovery 令人瞩目的成功﹑ 事件﹑ 发现
- Constitutional Convention:特指1787年美国制宪会议,简介请看这里。要进一步了解美国制宪会议的故事,推荐阅读一下《如彗星划过夜空》这本书。
- deadlock:此处作动词,表示使陷入僵局 | deadlock: n. complete failure to reach agreement or to settle a quarrel or grievance 僵局: The negotiations have reached deadlock. 谈判陷入僵局
- on the issue of ... 在……的为题上
- Congress: 国会
- proportion: v. to adjust so that proper relations between parts are attained 按照比例调整
- 他这句话说过很多次,但是最引人注目的一次还是在制宪会议上,[双方]由于新国会应该依照人口按比例分配[票数]还是各州享有同样票数[各执一词],使会议陷入僵局。
First Franklin succinctly stated the problem: "The diversity of opinions turns on two points. If a proportional representation takes place, the small States contend that their liberties will be in danger. If an equality of votes is to be put in its place, the large States say their money will be in danger." Then he gently emphasized, in a homespun analogy that drew on his affection for craftsmen and construction, the importance of compromise: "When a broad table is to be made, and the edges of planks do not fit, the artist takes a little from both, and makes a good joint. In like manner here, both sides must part with some of their demands."
First Franklin succinctly stated the problem: "The diversity of opinions turns on two points. If a proportional representation takes place, the small States contend that their liberties will be in danger.
- succinct:(approv 褒) expressedbriefly and clearly; concise 简明的; 简洁的; 简要的: a succinct summary of the argument 论点的概要
- state the problem: 阐述/陈述了问题
- diversity:原意多样性,此处可理解为差异、分歧
- turn on: to direct (sth) onto (sth or sb) 对准(某人或某物)、围绕 例句:The hose was turned on the fire. 消防水管对准火苗。Our discussion turned solely on teaching methods. 我们的讨论完全是围绕教学法问题展开的。The story turns upon a tormented passion felt by a dying young girl. 故事主要讲的是一个垂死的年轻姑娘所摆脱不了的爱与恨。
- The diversity of opinions turns on two points. 观点的分歧主要围绕两点。
- proportional representation: 比例代表制(就是按照各州的人数,按比例分配代表人数,也就是票数,这样对于人口少的州就很不利,因为在国会中代表该州利益的人或票数就少)
- take place:to happen
- contend:put forward (sth) as one's opinion; argue; assert 主张(某事物); 争辩; 认为: I would contend that unemployment is our most serious social evil. 我认为失业是我们社会最为严重的弊病.
- liberties: [C esp pl 尤作复数] right or privilege granted by authority 当局授予的权利或特权: liberties enjoyed by all citizens 公民皆享的权利.
- be in danger: 处于危险之中
If an equality of votes is to be put in its place, the large States say their money will be in danger.
- equality:equal的名词形式 equality of votes 票数相等
- put sth in place: 到位;落实到位;正在实施
- 如果实行[各州]同样的票数,那么大州就会说他们的钱将会受到威胁。(如果大州小州的票数相同,那么很可能小州会通过投票,让大州掏腰包来满足小州的利益,因为那样的话,即使大州人多钱多,也不一定说了算。)
Then he gently emphasized, in a homespun analogy that drew on his affection for craftsmen and construction, the importance of compromise
- gently:in a kind way, being careful not to frighten or upset someone:
As gently as possible, he told her the bad news 温和地
- in an analogy that ... 用了……这样一个类比 | analogy:a comparison between things which have similar features, often used to help explain a principle or idea:
He drew an analogy between the brain and a vast computer.
- draw on: use sth 使用; 利用; 运用: We drew on her experience throughout the project. 我们这一项目自始至终都借重她的经验. * I shall have to draw on my savings. 我只好动用我的储蓄.
- affection: ~ (for/towards sb/sth) feeling of fondness; love 喜爱; 爱: He felt great affection for his sister. 他很疼他的妹妹. * The old king was held in great affection. 年老的国王极受爱戴.
- craftsman: skilled workman, esp one who makes things by hand 匠人; 能工巧匠(尤指手艺人)
- Then he gently emphasized the importance of compromise.是句子主干
When a broad table is to be made, and the edges of planks do not fit, the artist takes a little from both, and makes a good joint.
- broad: wide in extent from side to side: a broad river; broad shoulders
- plank: 木板
- fit: to conform to another, especially in size and shape 尺寸、形状等不合适
- artist:这里并不是指艺术家,而是指person who does sth with great skill 能手; 大师: The carpenter has made this cupboard beautifully he's a real artist. 那个木匠做的这个柜子很漂亮--他真是个能工巧匠.
- takes a little from both [edges]: 从两边各去掉一点儿
- joint:place, line or surface at which two or more things are joined 连接处; 接缝; 接合面: Check that the joints of the pipes are sealed properly. 检查一下管道的接口是否封严了.
In like manner here, both sides must part with some of their demands.
- in a ... manner / in a manner of ...: 以……的方式/方法 | in like manner: 以相似的方式,同理
- like:adj having some or all of the qualities or features of; similar 相似的; 相同的 例句:Like causes tend to produce like results. 类似的原因往往产生类似的结果. * mice, rats and like creatures 小家鼠﹑ 大老鼠之类的动物.
Finally, he introduced some compromises suggested by others into a specific motion. Representatives to the lower House would be popularly elected and apportioned by population, but in the Senate "the Legislatures of the several States shall choose and send an equal number of "Delegates."
Finally, he introduced some compromises suggested by others into a specific motion.
- introduce sth (in/into sth) bring sth into use or operation for the first time 初次投入使用或运作; 引进; 推行; 采用: The company is introducing a new family saloon this year. 公司准备今年推出一种新型家庭轿车. * introduce computers (into schools) (使学校)采用计算机 * introduce a ban on smoking in public places 推行在公共场所禁止吸烟的规则.
- motion: formal proposal to be discussed and voted on at a meeting 动议; 提议: propose, put forward, reject, etc a motion 提﹑ 提出﹑ 否决...一动议 * The motion was adopted/carried by a majority of six votes. 该动议以六票的多数获采纳[通过].
Representatives to the lower House would be popularly elected and apportioned by population, but in the Senate "the Legislatures of the several States shall choose and send an equal number of "Delegates."
- representative: [下议院的]代表
- the lower House: 下议院,请注意美国现在的众议院叫做House of Representatives 还有一些国家所谓的下议院叫做 House of Commons 各国的叫法有所不同,是专有名词,需要区分
- popularly: adv by many or most people (人们)普遍地, 广泛地; 由大多数人 | be popularly elected 由人民大众选出来,也就是普选出来。普选:popular election
- apportion: to decide how something should be shared between various people 分配 例句:When we know how much is profit, then we can apportion the money. | be apportioned by population 按照人口的比例分配
- Senate:参议院,有些国家的Senate译为上[议]院
- Legislature:the group of people in a country or part of a country who have the power to make and change laws 立法机关、立法机构
- Delegate:代表,注意,这里的Delegates用引号引起来了,这是因为,现在美国参议院的参议员称为Senator而不是Delegate
- 下院代表应普选产生并与人口成比例,但在上院[参议院]中,各州的立法机构应选出并派送同样数量的代表。
For Franklin, who personally believed in proportional representation, compromise was not only a practical approach but a moral one. Tolerance, humility and a respect for others required it. The near perfect document that arose from his compromise could not have been approved if the hall had contained only crusaders who stood on unwavering principle. Compromisers may not make great heroes, but they do make great democracies.
For Franklin, who personally believed in proportional representation, compromise was not only a practical approach but a moral one.
- personally:As far as oneself is concerned,就个人而言: Personally, I don't mind.
- 虽然富兰克林自己信奉比例代表制,但对他而言,妥协这一方法不仅务实,而且道德。
Tolerance, humility and a respect for others required it.
The near perfect document that arose from his compromise could not have been approved if the hall had contained only crusaders who stood on unwavering principle.
- near perfect:近乎完美的
- document:文件、文档
- arise out of/from sth follow as a result of sth 因某事物而产生、造成、引起: problems arising out of the lack of communication 由於缺乏交流而产生的问题 * Are there any matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting? 关於上次会议的记录有没有问题?
- [document] could not have been approved if ... 如果……,这份文件就不会被批准/通过
- approve:confirm (sth); accept 批准(某事物); 通过: The minutes of the last meeting were approved. 上次会议记录已获得通过.
- the hall:指的是开制宪会议的大厅
- contain:have or hold (sth) within itself 包含; 含有 * What does that box contain? 那个盒子里装的是什麽?
- crusader:原意:十字军东征的战士;引申义:someone who works hard for a long time to achieve something that they strongly believe is morally right 一直为了某事而奋斗了很长时间,并且坚信自己是在道德正确的一边的人
- stand on: declare one's position, opinion, etc (on sth) 宣布(对某事物的)立场﹑ 意见等; 表明态度: She stood on nuclear disarmament. 她在核裁军的问题上态度很坚决.
- unwavering: strong and steady despite opposition or other problems, unchangeable 毫不动摇的,坚定不移的 unwavering principles: 毫不动摇的原则
Compromisers may not make great heroes, but they do make great democracies.
- compromiser: the one who make compromises 妥协的人
- make great heroes: 成不了伟大的英雄 这个make表示 to be, become 变成
- they do make ... do表强调
- make great democracies: 这里的democracy是可数形式,指的是民主国家、民主政府或民主社会,这里的make指的是create、establish 创立、建立、创建
- 妥协的人也许成不了伟大的英雄,但他们确实能创建伟大的民主国家。
TOLERANCE
By the end of his life, he had contributed to the building funds of each and every sect in philadelphia. During the July 4 celebrations that year, he was too sick to leave his bed, but the parade marched under his window. For the first time, as per arrangements that Franklin had overseen, "the clergy of different Christian denominations, with the rabbi of the Jews, walked arm in arm."
- tolerance:the capacity for or the practice of recognizing and respecting the beliefs or practices of others 宽容
By the end of his life, he had contributed to the building funds of each and every sect in philadelphia.
- contribute: ~ (sth) (to/towards sth) give one's share of (money, help, advice, etc) to help a joint cause 出(钱﹑ 力﹑ 主意等); 捐助; 捐赠; 贡献: contribute (ten pounds) to a charity collection 捐献(十镑)给慈善事业 * contribute aid for refugees 向难民提供援助
- building fund: 建堂基金
- each and every 每一个
- sect:group of people who share (esp religious) beliefs or opinions which differ from those of most people 派别; 宗派; (尤指)教派: a minor Christian sect 基督教的一个小教派
During the July 4 celebrations that year, he was too sick to leave his bed, but the parade marched under his window.
- July 4:美国独立日
- celebration:庆祝会、庆典
- too ... to ...
- parade: procession of people or things (人的)游行,游行队伍
- march:行进
For the first time, as per arrangements that Franklin had overseen, "the clergy of different Christian denominations, with the rabbi of the Jews, walked arm in arm."
- for the first time: 头一次、第一次
- as per: in accordance with 依照按照
- arrangement: [常 pl.]安排,准备工作
- oversee: watch over and control (sb/sth); supervise 监督, 监视(某人[某事物]): You must employ someone to oversee the project. 你得雇个人监督这一工程.
- clergy: 神职人员、教士、牧师
- denomination: religious group or sect 宗教派别: The Protestant denominations include the Methodists, the Presbyterians and the Baptists. 新教派别包括卫理公会派﹑ 长老会派﹑ 浸礼派.
- rabbi: 拉比(犹太教教士及其头衔; 犹太教法学导师)
- Jew: 犹太人; 犹太教徒
- arm in arm: 手挽手、臂挽臂 with your arm gently supporting or being supported by someone else's arm: * We walked arm in arm along the river bank.
And When he was carried to his grave two years later, his casket was accompanied by all the clergymen of the city, every one of them, of every faith.
And When he was carried to his grave two years later, his casket was accompanied by all the clergymen of the city, every one of them, of every faith.
- casket:这里指的是coffin 棺材
- accompany:walk or travel with (sb) as a companion or helper; escort 伴随或跟随(某人); 陪伴: I must ask you to accompany me to the police station. 我得要求你陪我去一趟警察分局. * He was accompanied on the expedition by his wife. 他那次远行有妻子陪同.
- faith:trust; strong belief; unquestioning confidence 信任; 信仰; 信心
In a world that was then, as alas it still is now, bloodied by those who seek to impose theocracies, Franklin helped to create a new type of nation that could draw strength from its religious pluralism. This comfort with the concept of tolerance -- which was based on an aversion to tyranny, a fealty to free expression, a willingness to compromise, the morality of respecting other individuals and even a bit of humor and humility -- is what most distinguishes America and its like-minded allies in the messy struggles that face up to a new century.
In a world that was then, as alas it still is now, bloodied by those who seek to impose theocracies, Franklin helped to create a new type of nation that could draw strength from its religious pluralism.
- alas:interj (dated or rhet 旧或修辞) (expressing sorrow or regret 表示悲哀或懊悔): Alas, they've all sold out, madam. 哎呀, 都卖光了, 小姐. | 其实是 as it still is now,alas在这里表示叹息
- bloodied by ... 是跟在then后面的,在一个当时……,而现在仍是这幅样子的世界里,富兰克林……。
- bloody:stain (sb/sth) with blood 使(某人[某事物])沾上血迹
- seek to:谋求、追求
- impose:~ sth (on sb) try to make sb accept (an opinion or a belief); inflict sth 使某人接受(意见或信仰); 将某事物强加於: She imposed her ideas on the group. 她竭力把自己的想法强加於全组的人.
- theocracy:(country with a) system of government by priests or a priestly class in which the laws of the State are believed to be the laws of God 僧侣政治, 僧侣统治, 神权政治(的国家)
- draw strength from ... 从……中获得力量
- religious pluralism: 宗教多元主义 | pluralism:principle that these different groups can live together peacefully in one society 多元主义(一社会中多民族或有不同政治﹑ 宗教信仰的人和平共处的原则)
This comfort with the concept of tolerance -- which was based on an aversion to tyranny, a fealty to free expression, a willingness to compromise, the morality of respecting other individuals and even a bit of humor and humility -- is what most distinguishes America and its like-minded allies in the messy struggles that face up to a new century.
- comfort:state of being free from suffering, pain or anxiety; state of physical or mental well-being 舒适; 身心健康: live in comfort 生活舒适 * They did everything for our comfort. 他们尽力使我们觉得舒适. | 这里指宗教多元和对宗教的宽容所带来的舒适感
- 整句话的主干是: This comfort ... is what most distinguishes America and its like-minded allies ...
- 破折号之间的 which was based on ... humility 关系从句,用来修饰the concept of tolerance
- aversion: strong dislike 厌恶; 嫌恶: I've always had an aversion to getting up early. 我从来就厌恶早起. * He took an immediate aversion to his new boss. 他对新老板一见就反感. | 注意与aversion搭配的介词 to
- tyranny:cruel, unjust or oppressive use of power or authority 暴虐; 残暴; 专横; 专制: a lifelong hatred of tyranny 终生对暴政疾恶如仇 * the tyranny of military rule 军事统治的残暴
- fealty:faithfulness or devotion to a person, a cause, obligations, or duties (对某人、某个事业、组织或责任的)效忠、忠诚
- free expression:自由表达
- distinguish:be a characteristic mark or property of sb/sth; make sb/sth different 为某人[某事物]之特徵或特性; 使某人[某事物]有所不同: Speech distinguishes human beings from the animals. 使用言语是人类有别於动物的特徵.
- like-minded:like-minded people, groups, etc. have similar tastes, interests, and opinions 想法、品味、兴趣、意见相似的
- ally:person, country, etc joined with another in order to give help and support 同盟者; 同盟国
- messy:Unpleasantly difficult to settle or resolve 难办的、令人为难的、棘手的
- face up to sth: accept and deal with sth unpleasant or demanding honestly and bravely 诚实而勇敢地承认和处理令人不快的或困难的事物: He must face up to the fact that he is no longer young. 他应该勇於正视自己不再年轻这一事实. * She's finding it difficult to face up to the possibility of an early death. 她面临可能早逝而手足无措.
- 这一句话很长,按照原句的结构来译也比较困难,可以考虑打散结构,译成一下这种形式:这种带有宽容理念的舒适感基于下列品质:厌恶专制、忠于自由表达、愿意妥协、尊重其他个体的品德,甚至还有一点幽默与谦逊,而这种舒适感正是在面对新世纪来临之际(本文成文与2003年,正值新世纪的开端),美国及其观念相似的同盟国在棘手的斗争中所展现的特别之处。