“经世致用”是什么意思？用英语怎么说？

无论是治学态度，还是有关认知与实践统一的命题，亦或是个人道德修养的准则，中华民族在几千年的文化史中都凝练总结出了一系列行为习惯与精神特质。

而这些社会道德标准与为人之道又结晶成为中华思想文化术语，让我们通过几个关键的术语，感悟其中蕴含着的中国文化与思想意识的精髓。

中英文内容来自中华思想文化术语传播工程核心成果——《中华思想文化术语》丛书。

实事求是

Seek Truth from Facts

根据事物实际情况，正确地对待和处理问题。本指古人治学时注重事实，以求得出正确的见解或结论。后多指依据实际情况进行思考或表达，如实、正确地对待和处理问题。

This term means handling things correctly according to realities of the situation. The term was originally used to describe the rigorous attitude of ancient Chinese scholars who paid great attention to acquiring solid facts in order to arrive at the correct understanding or conclusion. Later, it has come to mean expressing ideas or handling matters according to reality. It is a methodological principle on cognition and a fundamental principle underpinning behaviors and ethics. Basically, it calls for behaving in a practical, realistic, and honest way.

▌引例

河间献王德……修学好古，实事求是。 （《汉书·景十三王传·河间献王德》）

Liu De, Prince Xian of Hejian… loved to study history and always sought the right understanding based on thorough grasp of evidence.

经世致用

Study of Ancient Classics Should Meet Present Needs

学术要对国家和社会的治理发挥实际效用。“经世”即治理国家和社会事务，“致用”即发挥实际效用。这一思想强调知识的政治价值和知识分子的现实担当，体现了中国传统知识分子讲求功效、务实的思想特点和“以天下为己任”的情怀。

Learning should contribute to good governance. Jingshi (经世) means governance of the country and society, and zhiyong (致用) refers to meeting practical needs. In the early 17th century, thinkers such as Gu Yanwu (1613-1682), Wang Fuzhi (1619-1692), Huang Zongxi (1610-1695), and Li Yong (yóng, 1627-1705) argued that scholarly studies should be geared to meet current needs. They held that while interpreting ancient classics, scholars should expound their views on the social and political issues of their day, solve practical problems, enhance governance of the country, improve people’s livelihood, and promote social reform. This view stressed the practical value of knowledge and the practical responsibilities of intellectuals. It reflects the pragmatic character of traditional Chinese intellectuals as well as their concern for the well-being of the people and eagerness to shoulder responsibility for the whole nation.

▌引例

凡文之不关于“六经”之指、当世之务者，一切不为。 （顾炎武《与人书·三》）

No articles should be written except those that are concerned with what the Six Classics teach us about the current state affairs.

知行合一

Unity of Knowledge and Action

对“知”“行”关系的一种认识。王阳明（1472 — 1529）基于心学“心外无理”的主张，提出了“知行合一”说。他认为，对人伦日用之道的体认与践行不能割裂，二者是一体的两面。

This is one interpretation of the relationship between “knowledge” and “action.” Based on the concept in philosophy of the mind that “there are no li (理), or principles, outside the mind,” Wang Yangming (1472-1529) made the argument that “there is unity of knowledge and action.” He felt that it was impossible to separate an understanding of the principles underlying human relations in everyday life from the application of these principles, that these were two sides of the same thing. If there was “knowledge” in the mind, it would surely be put into practice, as “action” was the natural use of “knowledge.” If it was not applied, it could not be true “knowledge.” On the other hand, “action” would also bring about deeper knowledge. Without “knowledge,” mere unconscious or forced behavior would not constitute proper “action.”

▌引例

外心以求理，此知行之所以二也；求理于吾心，此圣门知行合一之教。 （《传习录》卷中）

Searching for principles outside the mind is the reason why people separate knowledge from action; searching for principles within one’s mind is how sages teach about the unity of knowledge and action.

躬行

Practice in Person

亲自践行。“躬”意为亲身、亲自，“行”指个人的道德修养活动。在儒家看来，要在生活实践中成就君子人格就必须身体力行。“躬行”之说蕴含着知行合一的观念。

This term first appeared in The Analects. Gong (躬) means in person and xing (行) refers to the cultivation of morals. According to Confucianism, one should cultivate his morals in everyday life to develop personal integrity. This term embodies the view that knowledge and action should be closely integrated with each other. Confucianism is against those who fail to observe moral principles they preach themselves, emphasizing that people should always follow moral principles in their daily lives.

▌引例

子曰：“文，莫吾犹人也。躬行君子，则吾未之有得。” （《论语·述而》）

Confucius said: “As far as knowledge of literature is concerned, what I’ve achieved is similar to that of others. But when it comes to the practice of moral principles as a man of integrity, I still have a long way to go.”

集思广益

Pool Wisdom of the People

指汇集众人的思考与智慧，广泛吸取有益意见，以获得更好的效果。这不仅是汇集智慧的过程，也是调动众人积极性、达成行动一致性的过程。

This means to work more effectively by extensively drawing on ideas and wisdom from many people. Proposed by Zhuge Liang (181-234) during the period of the Three Kingdoms, it meant that a leader should offer many opportunities for others to speak up and listen humbly to all opinions, especially those which differ from his own. He should then consider all aspects of the issue and make a correct decision. He absolutely must not think himself infallible and acts arbitrarily. Pulling wisdom of the people will keep everyone motivated and ensure success.

▌引例

夫参署者，集众思广忠益也。 （诸葛亮 《与群下教》）

One who holds office should pool the ideas and wisdom of the people and extensively draw on all well intended and useful views.

中华思想文化术语

《中华思想文化术语（历史 哲学 文艺）》是国务院批准设立的“中华思想文化术语传播工程”的成果之一，以学生和教师等群体为读者对象，为其研读、理解和翻译中华思想文化相关内容提供准确权威、正本清源的参考。

这些术语反映了中国传统文化特征和民族思维方式，体现了中国核心价值，编写者用易于口头表达、交流的简练语言客观准确地予以诠释，目的是在政府机构、社会组织、传播媒体等对外交往活动中，传播好中国声音，讲好中国故事，让世界更多了解中国国情、历史和文化。

编辑：小术工作室

来源：中华思想文化术语传播工程