Existence and Evolution of the State A Conceptual Frameworkfor Understanding theWhole Human History

事物更新蜕变的英语短语Transformation and Evolution of Things.The world is constantly in a state of flux, with things constantly undergoing transformation and evolution. This is a natural cycle of life, where everything from the smallest atom to the largest galaxy is subject to change. Transformation and evolution are not just limited to the physical world; they extend to ideas, cultures, and technologies as well.In the realm of nature, transformation and evolution are visible in the cycles of life and death. Trees, for instance, undergo seasonal changes, shedding their leaves in autumn and sprouting new ones in spring. This cycle is not just a visual representation of time passing, but also a deeper process of growth and renewal. Similarly, animals go through stages of growth, from infancy to adulthood, and even undergo physical changes as they adapt to their environment.At the microscopic level, atoms and molecules are constantly rearranging themselves, leading to chemical reactions and the formation of new compounds. This constant motion and interaction is what drives the continuous transformation and evolution of matter.In the realm of technology, transformation and evolution are even more rapid. With the advent of new scientific discoveries and inventions, old technologies are quickly replaced by newer, more efficient ones. The industrial revolution, for instance, marked a significant shift in the way people lived and worked, with the introduction of machines and automation. Similarly, the digital revolution has transformed the way we communicate, access information, and even think.Transformation and evolution are also evident in social and cultural contexts. As societies evolve, so do their values, beliefs, and traditions. New ideas and movements emerge, challenging old norms and establishing new ones. This constant flux is what keeps cultures vibrant anddynamic.However, transformation and evolution are not always smooth or painless. They often involve challenges,conflicts, and even crises. Change can be difficult to accept, especially when it threatens established order or comfortable routines. But it is also through these challenges that we grow and learn, adapting to newrealities and embracing new possibilities.In conclusion, transformation and evolution areinherent to the fabric of existence. They are the enginesof progress and innovation, driving us forward into anever-evolving future. As we navigate through this constant flux, it is important to remain open and adaptable, embracing change as an opportunity for growth and progress. After all, it is through transformation and evolution that we reach our full potential as individuals and as a species.。

前世和今生英语中的另一种说法In English, another way to refer to "past lives and present" is "reincarnation." Reincarnation is a belief that after death, an individual's soul or spirit is reborn into a new body. This concept is present in various cultures and religions around the world, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and some Native American tribes. It is believed that the soul goes through multiple cycles of birth, death, and rebirth until it reaches a state of enlightenment or liberation.在中文中，“前世和今生”的另一种说法是“轮回”。

轮回是一种信仰，认为一个人的灵魂在死后会投胎转世到新的身体里。

这个概念存在于世界各地的不同文化和宗教中，比如印度教、佛教以及一些美洲土著部落。

人们相信灵魂会经历多次的轮回，直到达到开悟或解脱的状态。

The idea of reincarnation offers a sense of continuity and purpose to life. It suggests that our existence is not limited to a single lifetime but is part of a larger cosmic cycle. It also implies that our actions in each life have consequences that will affect our future incarnations. This belief in karma, the idea that our deeds in this life will determineour fate in the next, encourages individuals to act morally and ethically.轮回的理念为生活提供了一种连续性和目的性。

时代变化英语作文Title: The Evolution of Time: Embracing Change。

In the grand tapestry of human existence, time stands as an immutable force, ceaselessly moving forward, marking the passage of epochs and eras. From the ancient civilizations to the modern age, the concept of time has undergone profound transformations, reflecting the evolution of society, culture, and technology.First and foremost, the dawn of civilization witnessed the birth of rudimentary timekeeping methods. Early humans relied on natural phenomena such as the movement of celestial bodies and the changing seasons to gauge time. As societies advanced, primitive calendars emerged, marking significant events like agricultural cycles and celestial observations. These rudimentary timekeeping methods laid the foundation for the structured measurement of time that would follow.Fast forward to the medieval period, and we witness the emergence of mechanical clocks, heralding a new era of precision and uniformity in timekeeping. With the advent of clock towers in town squares and the chiming of bells, communities were synchronized, and daily life became regimented according to the dictates of time. This era marked a pivotal moment in human history, as societies began to organize themselves around the concept of punctuality and schedules.The Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19thcenturies accelerated the pace of change, ushering in anera of mass production and urbanization. With factories operating around the clock, time became synonymous with productivity and efficiency. The standardization of time zones further facilitated global commerce and communication, shrinking the world and connecting distant lands in ways previously unimaginable.The 20th century witnessed unprecedented advancementsin timekeeping technology, culminating in the invention of the atomic clock. This remarkable innovation providedunparalleled accuracy, laying the groundwork for the precise measurements required for space exploration, telecommunications, and global navigation systems. Meanwhile, the proliferation of digital clocks and wristwatches brought timekeeping to the individual level, empowering people to manage their time with unprecedented precision.In the contemporary era, the advent of the internet and digital revolution has transformed our relationship with time yet again. The boundaries between work and leisure have become increasingly blurred, as smartphones and laptops keep us connected around the clock. Social media platforms operate in real-time, shaping public discourse and cultural trends at an unprecedented pace. In this hyperconnected world, the concept of time has become both a tool for efficiency and a source of anxiety, as individuals struggle to balance the demands of modern life.Looking ahead, the future of timekeeping holds exciting possibilities and profound challenges. Emerging technologies such as quantum clocks and artificialintelligence promise even greater precision and efficiencyin time measurement. However, as we navigate the complexities of an ever-changing world, it is essential to remember that time is not merely a commodity to be bought and sold but a fundamental aspect of human experience.In conclusion, the evolution of time is a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of the human spirit. From ancient sundials to atomic clocks, our methods of timekeeping have evolved in tandem with the advancement of society and technology. As we stand on the threshold of a new era, let us embrace the ever-changing nature of timeand strive to use it wisely in pursuit of a brighter future.。

八年级下册期中重点英语单词1. Abundant: Existing or available in large quantities; plentiful.Example sentence: The garden was filled with abundant flowers.2. Accommodate: To provide lodging or room for; to fit in with the wishes or needs of someone.Example sentence: The hotel can accommodate up to 100 guests.3. Achieve: To successfully bring about or accomplish a task or goal.Example sentence: With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your dreams.4. Adapt: To adjust or modify to suit a new situation or environment.Example sentence: The plants have adapted to survive in the desert.5. Agriculture: The science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for growing crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products.Example sentence: Many people in rural areas are involved in agriculture.6. Analysis: Detailed examination or study of something in order to understand its nature or composition.Example sentence: The scientist conducted an analysis of the data.7. Ancient: Belonging to a period of history that is thousands of years in the past.Example sentence: The pyramids in Egypt are ancient structures.8. Appropriate: Suitable or proper in the circumstances.Example sentence: It is important to wear appropriate clothes for a job interview.9. Atmosphere: The envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet. Example sentence: The atmosphere protects us from the harmful rays of the sun.10. Benefit: An advantage or profit gained from something.Example sentence: Exercise has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.11. Capital: A city or town that functions as the administrative center of acountry or region.Example sentence: London is the capital of England.12. Communicate: To share or exchange information, news, or ideas.Example sentence: It is important to communicate effectively in order to avoid misunderstandings.13. Construct: To build or create something, typically a building, road, or machine.Example sentence: The workers will construct a new bridge over the river.14. Contradict: To assert the opposite or contrary of; to be in conflict with. Example sentence: Her actions contradict her words.15. Cultivate: To prepare and use land for crops or gardening; to foster the growth or development of.Example sentence: Farmers cultivate the land to grow food.16. Determine: To cause something to occur in a particular way; to ascertain or establish exactly, typically through research or calculation.Example sentence: The investigation will determine the cause of the fire.17. Emerge: To become apparent, important, or prominent.Example sentence: After years of hard work, she finally emerged as a successful artist.18. Environment: The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.Example sentence: It is important to protect the environment for future generations.19. Evaluate: To assess or judge the value, importance, or quality of someone or something.Example sentence: Teachers evaluate students' performance through exams and assignments.20. Expand: To become or make larger or more extensive.Example sentence: The company plans to expand its operations internationally.21. Familiar: Well known or easily recognized.Example sentence: She had a familiar face, but I couldn't remember where I hadseen her before.22. Generate: To produce or create something.Example sentence: The wind turbines generate clean energy.23. Impact: The action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another;a marked effect or influence.Example sentence: The car crash had a huge impact on the lives of those involved.24. Infer: To deduce or conclude information from evidence and reasoningrather than from explicit statements.Example sentence: Based on the footprints, we can infer that someone was here recently.25. Investigation: The action of searching for facts or information systematically, typically in order to uncover unlawful or fraudulent activity. Example sentence: The police conducted a thorough investigation to find the missing person.26. Opportunity: A favorable or advantageous circumstance or combination of circumstances, giving rise to a good chance of success or advancement.Example sentence: He saw the job interview as an opportunity to prove himself.27. Organize: To arrange or order something systematically; to plan and coordinate an event or activity.Example sentence: She likes to organize her books alphabetically.28. Predict: To say or estimate that something will happen in the future. Example sentence: The weather forecast predicts rain for tomorrow.29. Reflect: To think deeply or carefully about something; to show an image of something.Example sentence: The mirror reflected her smiling face.30. Resource: A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, or other assetsthat can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively.Example sentence: The country is rich in natural resources like oil and gas.31. Responsible: Required to be answerable for something or someone; having a duty or obligation to do something.Example sentence: It is responsible to take care of one's health.32. Result: To come about as a consequence or outcome of something; to follow from or be caused by.Example sentence: Good study habits result in good grades.33. Significant: Importance enough to be noticed or have an effect; of considerable importance.Example sentence: The discovery is significant because it could lead to new medical treatments.34. Skill: A developed ability to do something well, often acquired through practice or training.Example sentence: She has a skill for playing the piano.35. Society: A community, nation, or broad grouping of people who share common traditions, institutions, and collective activities and interests.Example sentence: Civilization and society depend on laws and order.36. Strategy: A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim. Example sentence: The military uses strategy to plan their attacks.37. Successful: Achieving the desired aim or result.Example sentence: The successful entrepreneur built a multi-million dollar business.38. Technique: A method or skill used in a particular art, science, or job. Example sentence: The chef uses a unique cooking technique to create delicious dishes.39. Theory: A set of principles used to explain a particular phenomenon or subject.Example sentence: The theory of relativity explains the behavior of gravity. 40. Traditional: Relating to or denoting customs or beliefs that have been passed down within a society unchanged from earlier times.Example sentence: Many cultures have traditional ceremonies for important life events like weddings and births.41. Universe: All matter and space, including the stars, planets, and allother objects in space.Example sentence: Scientists study the universe to understand its origins and evolution.42. Variation: A difference or diversity in form, nature, or quality.Example sentence: Climate variations can affect the growth of plants.43. Victim: A person or animal that is hurt, harmed, or killed by something or someone.Example sentence: The victims of the crime received support from the community.44. Vital: Essential to the existence or continued existence of something.Example sentence: Clean water is vital for human survival.45. Warehouse: A building for storing goods, materials, or products.Example sentence: The company's warehouse holds a large inventory of products.46. Welfare: The state of being well-off, especially in terms of health, happiness, and financial security.Example sentence: Social programs aim to improve the welfare of the less fortunate.47. Wildlife: The animals and plants that live in a particular area,especially natural environments.Example sentence: Conservation efforts are essential for preserving wildlife habitats.48. Wonder: To feel a sense of awe or admiration; to be amazed.Example sentence: Children often wonder about the mysteries of the world.49. Worth: The value or importance of something.Example sentence: The worth of the antique vase was estimated to be over$5,000.50. Zone: An area or region with a particular characteristic, quality, or interest.Example sentence: The coastal zone is rich in marine life.。

The Origins and Evolution of Chinese Characters导读：本文探讨了中国汉字的起源和演变历程。

汉字是世界上最古老的书写形式之一，历史可以追溯到三千多年前的商代甲骨文。

汉字从最初的象形文字逐渐演化为表示抽象概念的文字，并经历了多个朝代的标准化和改革。

现代汉字不仅在中国广泛使用，还被应用于日本和韩国等国家。

文章介绍了汉字演化的历史，反映了中国文化的发展和演变。

了解汉字的起源和演变历史可以深入了解中国这个古老文明的丰富性和复杂性。

Chinese characters, also known as Han characters, are one of the oldest forms of writing in the world, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. They are used to represent the Chinese language, which is spoken by over one billion people worldwide. In this article, we will explore the origins and evolution of Chinese characters.Origins of Chinese CharactersThe earliest known Chinese characters are found on oracle bones, which were used in divination during the Shang Dynasty (1600 BCE – 1046 BCE). These characters were primarily pictograms, representing concrete objects such as animals and tools. Over time, the characters became more abstract and began to represent ideas and concepts.The Evolution of Chinese CharactersDuring the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BCE – 256 BCE), the use of Chinese characters became more standardized. The characters were grouped into six categories based on their function, including pictographs, self-explanatory characters, associative compounds, pictophonetic compounds, mutually explanatory characters, and phonetic loan characters.During the Qin Dynasty (221 BCE – 206 BCE), the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the standardization of the Chinese script. This resulted in the creation of the small seal script, which was more uniform and easier to read than previous scripts. This script was later replaced by the clerical script during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE).The clerical script was used for official documents and inscriptions on bronze vessels. It was eventually replaced by the regular script, which is the most commonly used script today. The regular script was developed during the Han Dynasty and is characterized by its straight lines and evenly spaced strokes.Today, Chinese characters are used not only in China but also in other countries such as Japan and Korea, where they are used in their respective languages. The characters have also been adapted to modern technology, with the creation of simplified and traditional Chinese characters, as well as the use of pinyin, a system of romanization used to represent the sounds of Chinese words.ConclusionThe evolution of Chinese characters is a reflection of the history and culture of China. From their humble beginnings as pictograms on oracle bones to their current use in modern technology, Chinese characters have played a significant role in the development of Chinese culture and society. Understanding the origins and evolution of Chinese characters provides insight into the richness and complexity of this ancient language.Reading Comprehension1. What is the meaning of the term "Hanzi"?a) Chinese dynastyb) Chinese foodc) Chinese charactersd) Chinese cityAnswer: c) Chinese characters2. What is the purpose of standardizing Chinese characters?a) To make them easier to learnb) To make them more complexc) To make them more decoratived) To preserve their traditional formAnswer: a) To make them easier to learn3. Which type of Chinese characters are characterized by their self-explanatory nature?a) Pictogramsb) Abstract charactersc) Associative compoundsd) PictographsAnswer: a) Pictograms4. What is the simplified form of Chinese characters?a) Traditional Chineseb) Modern Chinesec) Ancient Chinesed) Simplified ChineseAnswer: d) Simplified Chinese5. What is the system of romanization used to transliterate Chinese characters?a) Kanjib) Hiraganac) Katakanad) PinyinAnswer: d) PinyinVocabulary：PhrasesOutline I. IntroductionBrief explanation of the topicImportance of understanding Chinese charactersII. Origins of Chinese CharactersEarliest forms of Chinese writingOracle bone scriptBronze inscriptionsIII. Evolution of Chinese CharactersSeal scriptClerical scriptRegular scriptRunning scriptGrass scriptIV. Types of Chinese CharactersPictogramsAssociative compoundsPictographsAbstract charactersV. Standardization of Chinese CharactersReasons for standardizationCreation of simplified charactersModernization of Chinese charactersVI. Romanization of Chinese CharactersIntroduction of pinyinUse and importance of pinyinVII. ConclusionRecap of main pointsFinal thoughts on the importance of Chinese charactersKey PointsChinese characters are a complex writing system that has been used for thousands of years.The earliest forms of Chinese writing date back to the Shang Dynasty, and include oracle bone script and bronze inscriptions.Over time, Chinese characters evolved through different scripts, including seal script, clerical script, regular script, running script, and grass script.Chinese characters can be categorized into different types, including pictograms, associative compounds, pictographs, and abstract characters.Standardization of Chinese characters was introduced to make them easier to learn and use, and included the creation of simplified characters and modernization of the writing system.The romanization of Chinese characters was introduced with the creation of pinyin, which is now widely used to transliterate Chinese characters in international contexts.Understanding the origins and evolution of Chinese characters is important for appreciating the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of China.Reading ActivityAlex was a young Chinese-American boy who grew up in the United States. Although he was fluent in English, he was always fascinated by his Chinese heritage and was determined to learn more about the Chinese language and writing system.One day, while browsing online, Alex stumbled upon an article about the origins and evolution of Chinese characters. Intrigued, he began to study the earliest forms of Chinese writing, including oracle bone script and bronze inscriptions.As Alex delved deeper into his studies, he discovered the different types of Chinese characters, including pictograms, associative compounds, pictographs, and abstract characters. He was fascinated by the evolution of these characters over time and how they reflected the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of China.With time and dedication, Alex became more proficient in reading and writing Chinese characters. He even began to use them in his everyday life, from sending messages to his family in China towriting notes to his Chinese-American friends.As Alex's knowledge of Chinese characters grew, so did his appreciation for his cultural heritage. He discovered new aspects of his identity and became more proud of his roots. He also found that his knowledge of Chinese characters was a valuable asset, both personally and professionally.Eventually, Alex's passion for Chinese characters led him to pursue a degree in Chinese language and culture. He went on to work for a multinational corporation and became an asset in bridging the gap between China and the United States.Alex's determination to learn about the origins and evolution of Chinese characters not only enriched his life but also opened up new opportunities for him. He was able to connect with his cultural heritage, and his knowledge of Chinese characters helped him succeed in his personal and professional life.Reading Comprehension：1. What did Li Jing discover while cleaning up her grandfather's attic?a) An old calligraphy brushb) A stack of Chinese character booksc) A family heirloomd) A treasure mapAnswer: b) 一摞汉字书(A stack of Chinese character books)2. Why did Li Jing feel discouraged at first when trying to learn Chinese characters?a) She found them boringb) She didn't have the timec) She didn't understand their meaningd) She felt they were too difficultAnswer: d) 她觉得汉字太难了(She felt they were too difficult)3. How did Li Jing finally overcome her difficulties in learning Chinese characters?a) She hired a tutorb) She gave upc) She practiced every dayd) She used a mobile appAnswer: c) 她每天都练习(She practiced every day)4. What did Li Jing's grandfather tell her about the importance of Chinese characters?a) They were just a form of writingb) They held the key to understanding Chinese culturec) They were outdated and irrelevantd) They were not importantAnswer: b) 汉字是理解中国文化的关键(They held the key to understanding Chinese culture)5. How did Li Jing feel after finally mastering Chinese characters?a) Confident and proudb) Disinterested and boredc) Frustrated and annoyedd) Depressed and defeatedAnswer: a) 自信和骄傲(Confident and proud)Words & Phrases。

生命的起点和终点英文作文Title: The Beginnings and Ends of Life: A Journey Through ExistenceIn the vast tapestry of existence, life weaves a complex narrative of beginnings and ends, each thread intricately intertwined with the fabric of the universe. The concept of life's origin and its ultimate demise is a profound subject that has captivated philosophers, scientists, and laymen alike for centuries. This essay delves into the enigmatic question of where life begins and where it ends, exploring the mysteries that surround these two pivotal moments.The Beginnings of LifeThe origins of life on Earth remain a subject of intense scientific debate and speculation. While there is no definitive answer, several theories have emerged to explain how life might have arisen from non-living matter. One prevalent hypothesis is abiogenesis, which posits that life emerged spontaneously from simple organic compounds under certain conditions prevalent on the early Earth.The theory of evolution, as formulated by Charles Darwin, offers a compelling framework for understanding how life diversified and evolved into the myriad forms we see today. According to this theory, all life on Earth shares a common ancestor, and through a process of natural selection and genetic variation, different species adapted to various environments, giving rise to the diversity of life we observe.At the microscopic level, the beginning of an individual life often begins with the fertilization of an egg by a sperm cell. This fusion of genetic material triggers a cascade of events that leads to the development of a new organism, be it a human, an animal, or a plant. The intricate dance of DNA replication, cell division, and differentiation lays the foundation for the emergence of a unique life form.The Ends of LifeJust as life has its beginnings, it also has its inevitable ends. The concept of death, though often shrouded in mystery and emotion, is a fundamental aspect of the natural world. Death can occur in various forms and at different stages, from the gradual deterioration of cells and organs in old age to sudden, catastrophic events that terminate life abruptly.From a biological perspective, death is marked by the cessation of vital functions, such as respiration, circulation, and brain activity. As the body's cells lose their ability to sustain life-sustaining processes, the organism transitions from a state of living to one of non-living matter.However, the end of life is not merely a biological phenomenon. It is also deeply intertwined with cultural, religious, and personal beliefs. Different cultures and traditions have developed unique rituals and practices surrounding death, reflecting their understanding of the afterlife and the significance of this transition.Reflections on Life's JourneyThe beginnings and ends of life are two poles that define our existence. They remind us of the fleeting nature of our time on this planet and the preciousness of every moment we spend alive. As we ponder the mysteries of life's origins and its ultimate demise, we are also compelled to reflect on the meaning and purpose of our own lives.Ultimately, the journey from birth to death is a unique and personal experience that each of us must navigate. It is a time of growth, learning, love, and loss, filled with moments of joy and sorrow, triumph and defeat. By embracing the full spectrum of human emotions and experiences,we can find meaning and fulfillment in our lives, regardless of how long or short they may be.In conclusion, the beginnings and ends of life are profound and enigmatic aspects of existence that continue to inspire wonder and contemplation. While we may never fully understand the mysteries that surround these two pivotal moments, we can cherish the time we have and strive to make the most of every day, knowing that each breath we take is a precious gift of life.。

介绍月亮与地球的初二英语作文The Moon and Earth: A Cosmic Dance.In the vastness of space, two celestial bodies orbit each other in a graceful dance, locked in a timeless embrace. These are the Moon and Earth, two worlds connected by more than just gravity. They are partners in a cosmic drama, each playing a crucial role in the other's existence.The Moon, our closest neighbor in space, is a familiar sight in the night sky. Its phases change as it revolves around Earth, casting a soft, silvery glow on our world.The Moon's orbit is relatively circular, taking it around Earth approximately once every 29.5 days. This regular pattern has influenced human life for centuries, guidingour calendars and influencing our tides.Earth, on the other hand, is a vibrant world of diverse life and constant change. Its atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere are constantly interacting, creating a dynamicenvironment that supports a vast array of plant and animal life. Earth's rotation on its axis gives us day and night, while its tilt relative to the Sun causes the seasons to change.The relationship between the Moon and Earth is not just physical, however. There is a deep cultural connection as well. Moonlit nights have inspired countless poems, songs, and stories across cultures and eras. The Moon has been a symbol of love, longing, and mystery for generations. It has also played a crucial role in navigation and astrology, guiding mariners and influencing beliefs about fate and destiny.Scientifically, the Moon has a profound impact onEarth's environment. The Moon's gravity pulls on Earth's oceans, causing the tides to rise and fall twice daily. This tidal force not only shapes our coastlines but also affects marine ecosystems and even the climate. The Moon's impact on Earth's rotation is also significant, causing a gradual slowing of the planet's spin.The exploration of the Moon has been a key milestone in human space exploration. The Apollo missions in the 1960s and 1970s marked a turning point in our understanding of the Moon and our place in the solar system. These missions revealed a lunar landscape riddled with craters and dust, but also one that holds clues to the origin and evolution of our own planet.Today, the Moon remains a source of fascination and exploration. With advancements in technology, we are beginning to unlock the secrets of the Moon's interior and even consider the possibility of establishing a permanent human presence there. The Moon's potential as a resourcefor minerals and as a launching pad for deep space missions is being actively explored.In conclusion, the Moon and Earth are not just two bodies in space but partners in a grand cosmic dance. They influence each other in countless ways, shaping our world and inspiring our imagination. As we continue to explore and learn about these two celestial neighbors, we gain adeeper understanding of our own place in the universe and the interconnectedness of all things.。

上海市上海中学2024-2025学年高三上学期期中考试英语试题一、单项选择1．Learning that I couldn’t afford the rent, my boss ______ me a month’s salary.A．committed B．chopped C．charged D．advanced2．The court decided to ______ the charge against the suspect as no solid evidence was found against him.A．file B．answer C．drop D．assume 3．Businesses are pushing the government to pass new laws to ______ late payments of debts, a problem that has been threatening their financial stability.A．encounter B．counter C．expose D．facilitate4．It was the love and support of his family and friends that ______ him during his time in prison.A．sustained B．boosted C．accompanied D．emerged5．The world of advertising is obviously less ______ by convention than the world of banking, allowing for more innovation and experimentation.A．bound B．bordered C．boomed D．grasped 6．Believe it or not, newborns are able to ______ between a man’s and a woman’s voice.A．forecast B．discriminate C．integrate D．accommodate 7．To this day, Michael Jordan is regarded as one of the best basketball players ever to have______ the game, whose unmatched skill and exceptional sportsmanship inspire players and fans alike.A．drawn B．graced C．explored D．commanded 8．According to the analyst, ______ pricing allows greater pricing flexibility by taking into account real-time changes in consumer demand.A．domestic B．dynamic C．initial D．earnest9．The man arrived for the ceremony with old jackets and ______ jeans that the average person would save for mowing the lawn in his garden at the weekend.A．faded B．humble C．equivalent D．fine10．There is no quicker way to ______ a word to a respectable principle, system and movementthan to stick to the end of it the suffix “-ism”.A．coin B．exchange C．elevate D．confuse二、语法填空Directions:After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passage coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.Try New Fruit. The Weirder, the Better.As a kid, I often had nosebleeds. My parents blamed all the fruits I ate that gave me “excessive heat” — especially the lychees, my favorite. It didn’t stop me from wolfing them down 11 the dozen, however. After we settled in a suburb of Quebec City, lychees became harder to find, and thus an infrequent treat.12 I’ve grown older, my obsession with exotic fruit has intensified — the weirder, the better. 13 natural or genetically modified, beautiful or misshapen, every new fruit expands my understanding of the world and enriches my experience within it. Just when I think I have encountered every natural smell, a fruit named lulo appears at my favorite store. Part pineapple juice and part rhubarb-flavored gummy, it’s a scent so rare that I’d rather believe it was picked from a food scientist’s imagination 14 accept that it just happens to grow in some people’s backyards.There’s a line in a Jack Gilbert poem that has inhabited a corner in my brain since I was a teenager. “What lasted is what the soul ate; the way a child knows the world is by putting it part by part into his mouth.” I think of the line 15 I prepare to eat a new fruit. Each tasting is a chance to be reunited with my inner child, to be left wide-eyed as I get to know it, part by part. For me, the experience is no less expansive than seeing the ocean for the first time. You catch yourself 16 (wonder) what else this world has been hiding and what beauty it’s capable of.17 tasked with naming these fruits appear to be equally under a spell, producing simple yet charming names like ice cream bean and dragon fruit.Most fruits I try only a couple of times, but there’s one to 18 I keep returning: the soursop (刺果番荔枝). At ripeness, it tastes like a wonderful combination of banana, strawberry and papaya. 19 (wait) just one more day, though, and it starts to brown, emitting a smellthat registers more like feet than fruit.This rapid decaying actually comforts me. An approaching expiration date is only encouragement 20 (taste) these joys as they come. We, too, will soon wake up and find our bodies softened and bruised. Will we have let our sweetest days go to waste?三、选词填空Directions:Complete the following passage by using the words in the box. Each word can only be used once. Note that there is one word more than you need.A basic weakness in a conservation system based wholly on economic motives is that most members of the land community have no economic value. Yet, these creatures are members of the biotic(生物的) community and, if its stability depends on its integrity, they are 21 to existence.When one of these noneconomic categories is in 22 danger and, if we happen to love it, we invent excuses to give it economic importance. During the early 1900s, songbirds were supposed to be disappearing. Scientists jumped to the rescue with 23 shaky evidence to the effect that insects would eat us up if birds failed to control them. The evidence had to be economic to be valid.A 24 situation exists in respect of predatory mammals. Time was when biologists somewhat overworked the evidence that these creatures preserve the health of 25 by killing the physically weak, or that they prey only on “worthless” species. It is only in recent years that we hear the more honest argument that predators are members of the community, and that no special interest has the right to kill them for the sake of a benefit, real or 26 , to itself.Some species of trees have been “excluded from the party” by economics-minded foresters because they grow too slowly or have too low a sale value to pay as 27 crops. In Europe, where forestry is ecologically more advanced, the noncommercial tree species are recognized as members of native forest community, to be preserved as such, within reason. Moreover, some havebeen found to have a valuable role in building up soil fertility. The interdependence of the forest and its 28 species and ground plants and animals is taken for granted.To sum up, a system of conservation based solely on economic self-interest is hopelessly unjust. It tends to ignore, and thus 29 to eliminate, many elements in the land community that lack commercial value. It assumes, falsely, that the economic parts of the biotic community will work without the uneconomic parts, which are nevertheless essential to its healthy 30 .四、完形填空In praise of anxietyNobody likes to feel anxious. An entire industry has sprung up to aid us in eliminating it, from self-help books to cognitive behavioral therapy. Yet with rates of anxiety disorders rising sharply worldwide, it seems that our efforts to 31 anxiety aren’t working.But feeling anxious isn’t the problem. The problem is that we don’t understand how to respond 32 to anxiety. This “bad” feeling isn’t a failure of mental health. It’s a victory of human 33 , a response emerging with our ability to cope with the uncertain future. It was Charles Darwin who saw that 34 emotions like anxiety offers a profound evolutionary advantage. Fear, 35 , signals that you may be in danger — from a predator or a bully — and readies your body and mind to fight or take flight.Anxiety, by contrast, has nothing to do with 36 threats. 37 , it turns you into a mental time traveler, drawing your attention to what lies ahead. Will you succeed or fail in a big job interview? Anxiety prompts your mind and body into 38 . Your worries force you to prepare thoroughly for the interview, while your heart races and pumps blood to your brain so that you stay sharp, prepared to pursue your goals.Over the years, research has also shown higher levels of dopamine when we’re anxious. We have long known dopamine increases when an experience is pleasurable and also in anticipation of 39 . The fact that anxiety also boosts dopamine levels points to its role in making positive possibilities into reality.Sadly, many of us feel overwhelmed by lasting anxiety and don’t see any 40from it. We have come to believe that the best way to cope is to get rid of it. But treating anxiety as a disease prevents us from telling ordinary anxiety from anxiety disorders, and creates huge 41 costs when it comes to using anxiety to our benefit.Here’s the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder: a disorder is only diagnosed when our ways of coping with anxiety disturb our ability to function normally in life. These problematic ways usually involve 42 , like never leaving a house because we fear a negative evaluation, or taking drugs to dull our emotional pain. They also involve the belief that we can’t cope with anxiety. Countless research shows when we instead are curious about our negative emotions, and learn to name them and 43 them, they become more manageable.Therefore, we need to develop a new mindset about this misunderstood emotion. Reframing anxiety as a(n) 44 and a valued part of being human isn’t easy. It takes practice and it doesn’t mean anxiety becomes enjoyable. Anxiety can’t do its job unless it makes us 45 , forcing us to sit up and pay attention. We don’t need to like anxiety — just to use it in the right way.31．A．contain B．understand C．express D．appreciate 32．A．rapidly B．naturally C．constructively D．cautiously 33．A．behavior B．experience C．intelligence D．evolution 34．A．intense B．unpleasant C．conflicting D．real35．A．in general B．on the other hand C．for example D．in other words 36．A．immediate B．constant C．potential D．deadly 37．A．Consequently B．However C．Moreover D．Rather 38．A．reality B．decision C．wonder D．action 39．A．requirements B．changes C．rewards D．threats 40．A．solution B．benefit C．difference D．lesson 41．A．opportunity B．labor C．unexpected D．extra 42．A．panic B．avoidance C．addiction D．absence 43．A．make sense of B．do away with C．take refuge in D．make up for 44．A．cure B．praise C．edge D．emotion 45．A．fascinated B．patient C．calm D．uncomfortable五、阅读理解Not long ago I joined in a forum on the role of the American press. The purpose of the forum, as I understood it, was to examine the responsibilities of the media and to suggest the best ways to meet those responsibilities.During the open-discussion period, a gentleman addressed a question to a distinguished anchorman. Why, he asked, are the newspapers and television news programs so disaster-prone? The anchorman reacted as if he had been blamed for the existence of bad news. Newsmen, he said, are only responsible for reporting the news, not for creating or modifying it.It didn’t seem to me that he had answered the question. The gentleman was just wondering why distortions are most reported. The news media seem to operate on the philosophy that all news is bad news. Why? Could it be that the emphasis on downside news is largely the result of tradition — the way newsmen and newswomen are accustomed to responding to daily events?Perhaps it would be useful here to examine the way we define the word news for this is where the problem begins. News is supposed to deal with happenings of the past 12 hours — 24 hours at most. Anything that happens so suddenly, however, is likely to be eruptive: a sniper kills a presidential candidate; a plane crashed into a mountain…Focusing only on these details, however, produces a misshapen picture. Civilization is a lot more than the sum total of its disasters. The most important ingredient in any civilization is progress. But progress is not eruptive. Generally, it comes in bits and pieces, very little of it clearly visible at any given moment, but all of it involved in the making of historical change for the better.It is this aspect of living history that most news reporting reflects inadequately. The result is that we are under-informed about positive developments and over-informed about disasters. This, in turn, leads to a public mood of defeatism, which in themselves tend to prevent progress. A persistent diet of eruptive news drains the essential human energies a free society needs.I am not suggesting “positive” news be designed as a countermeasure to the disasters on page one. What I am trying to get across is the notion that the responsibility of the news media is to search out and report on important events whether or not they come under the heading ofconflicts or disasters. The world is a splendid combination of heaven and hell, and both call for attention and examination.The anchorman was right in saying newsmen were not responsible for shaping the world, but they are responsible for affecting our attitude. News people provide us with the only picture of ourselves and the world. It had better be a true portrait-and not a caricature (漫画)— for it’s this picture on which we will base our decisions and around which we will plan our future.46．The author learned from the forum that ______.A．the public tended to blame newsmen for reporting only bad newsB．there were concerns about the media’s too much focus on bad newsC．the American press failed to deliver on its promise to reform the mediaD．the public expected factual and unmodified news reports from newsmen47．What does the author suggest is the primary reason for the dominance of negative news coverage?A．The news media works on the principle that all news is bad news.B．News reporters are professionally trained to report daily disasters.C．News traditionally refers to events that occur suddenly within a day.D．Reporting only tragic events may blind the public to social progress.48．Which of the following statements might the author agree with?A．News reporters should give their attention to a wider range of important issues.B．The conflicts and disasters cause public despair and rob society of human energy.C．Newsmen are duty-bound to create more positive news to fight against disasters.D．Newsmen can strive to find a balanced portrayal of events to shape the world. 49．Which of the following might be the best title of the passage?A．Why is all news bad news?B．Where is the news leading us?C．Why is it time to create more positive news?D．How can the news media thrive against all odds?Below are three sports documentaries that make perfect viewing for fans of sporting drama.No 1. Formula 1: Drive to surviveThe world’s hottest sport was barely on the radar of most Americans — and then Drive to Survive arrived. Since its first release, the series has been credited for the surprising rise in popularity of the European racing association, Formula 1.Over six seasons, it has taken fans inside every team and shown the lives and preparation of the owners, managers, and drivers, including superstars Lewis Hamilton, whose headline-making race for the 2021 title was at the center of Season 4. The series’ success has also inspired similar shows for other sports looking to grab a bigger share of the global market.No 2. Race to the SummitThis climbing documentary records the race between two great climbers to secure the fastest time to conquer the Alps’ great north faces. As with all climbing documentaries, non-climbers will struggle to understand what drives a person to risk his life like this, but the film’s stunning scenery and the athletes’ dedication to their sport needs no explanation. Viewers with fears of heights may want to steer clear, however: these shots are guaranteed to raise your heart rate and take your breath away.No 3. Slaying The BadgerThe 1986 Tour de France had a battle at its heart, one between the two fastest riders in the game. As defending champion, Bernard ‘The Badger’ was the home hero, a serious Frenchman who was no stranger to challenges. The competitor was his opposite in personality: the sunny American rider LeMond, whose openness couldn’t conceal a strong determination to become the first non-European to win the race. The only trouble was that the pair were members of the sameteam. This documentary is a fascinating study of the two impulses of professional road cycling — individual glory versus team duty. And LeMond, who had played the role of dutiful assistant the previous year, believed it was his turn to try the winner’s yellow jersey for size.50．What can we learn about the documentary Formula 1: Drive to survive?A．It improves Formula 1’s global viewership, particularly in Europe.B．It offers fans chances to go behind the scenes of Formula 1 racing.C．It leads to the rise of Lewis Hamilton as a world-famous sports star.D．It helps other similar sports enjoy a larger slice of the global market.51．Which of the following information about Race to the Summit might be CORRECT?A．The film is intended for non-climbers who want to learn about climbing.B．The race between the climbers overshadows the scenic beauty of the Alps.C．The film features splendid mountain views and thrilling scenes of climbing.D．The film details the reasons behind climbers’ pursuit of extreme climbing.52．What major theme does Slaying The Badger explore?A．The success story of a young cyclist defeating the defending champion.B．The dominance of Europeans in road cycling and the challenges they face.C．The challenge of balancing personal attainments with collective responsibilities.D．The fierce battle between top riders of different personalities from different teams.The recent trust crisis has led many scientists to take up arms to defend their enterprise, but in their attempt to fight back against various forms of science denial, some scientists say things that just aren’t true - and you can’t build trust if the things you are saying are not trustworthy.One popular move is to insist that science is right - full stop - and that once we discover the truth about the world, we are done. Anyone who denies such truths is ignorant. Or, as Nobel Prize-winning physicist Steven Weinberg said, “Even though a scientific theory is in a sense a social consensus (共识), it is unlike any other sort of consensus in that it is culture-free and permanent.” Well, no. Science is a process of learning and discovery, and sometimes we learn that what we thought was right is wrong. Even a modest familiarity with the history of science offers many examples of matters that scientists thought they had resolved, only to discover that they needed to be reconsidered.Another popular move is to say scientific findings are true because scientists use “the scientific method”. But we can never actually agree on what that method is. Some will say it is empiricism: observation and description of the world. Others will say it is the experimental method: the use of experiment to test hypotheses (假设). Recently some prominent scientists claimed the scientific method was to avoid fooling oneself into thinking something is true that is not, and vice versa.Each of these commonly-held views has its merits, but if the claim is that any one of these is the scientific method, then they all fail. History and philosophy have shown that the idea of a singular scientific method is, well, unscientific. In fact, the methods of science have varied between disciplines and across time. Many scientific practices, particularly statistical tests of significance, have been developed with the idea of avoiding wishful thinking and self-deception, but that hardly constitutes “the scientific method”. Scientists have bitterly argued about which methods are the best, and, as we all know, bitter arguments rarely get resolved.In my view, the biggest mistake scientists make is to claim that this is all somehow simple and therefore to imply that anyone who doesn’t get it is dumb. Science is not simple, and neither is the natural world; therein lies the challenge of science communication. What we do is both hard and, often, hard to explain. Our efforts to understand and portray the natural world are just that: efforts. Because we’re human, we often fall flat. The good news is that when that happens, we pick ourselves up, brush ourselves off, and get back to work. Understanding the beautiful, complex world we live in, and using that knowledge to do useful things, is both its own reward and why taxpayers should be happy to fund research.Scientific theories are not perfect copies of reality, but we have good reason to believe that they capture significant elements of it. And experience reminds us that when we ignore reality, it sooner or later comes back to bite us.53．The quote from Steven Weinberg is intended to ______.A．illustrate that scientific theories are free from cultural influencesB．stress what was believed to be true may turn out to be false theoriesC．show even great scientists may be unfamiliar with the history of scienceD．serve as an example of the belief that science produces permanent truths54．What can be learned from all the popular opinions on “the scientific method” mentioned in thepassage?A．One way to make scientific discovery is doing experiments to observe and describe the world.B．Some hold the scientific method focuses on proving hypotheses correct throughexperiments.C．Some suggest employing the scientific method to avoid self-deception in scientific inquiry.D．The scientific method has evolved over time and varied across scientific disciplines. 55．The underlined phrase “fall flat” in Paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to ______.A．fail to achieve a goal B．lie on one’s backC．fall behind the times D．rise to challenges56．Which of the following statements does the author probably agree with?A．It’s pointless to agree on a single scientific method as science is right in itself.B．Science can’t supply absolute truths about the real world, but it brings us closer.C．Reflection on the history of science may help scientists restore public trust in science.D．Making scientific theories easily understandable is the biggest challenge for scientists.What happened to the noble art of the manly cry?One of our most firmly established ideas of masculinity (男子汉气概) is that men don’t cry. Although he might shed bitter tears at a funeral, a real man is expected to quickly regain control. Crying openly is for girls.57 One study found woman report crying five times more often than men do. So it’s perhaps surprising to learn that the gender gap in crying seems to be a recent development. Historically, men routinely wept. In documents of the Middle Ages, we find ambassadors bursting into tears when addressing the king; in medieval romances, knights cried because they missed their girlfriends. There’s no mention of men trying to hold back their tears.So where did all the male tears go? There was no anti-crying movement. No leaders of church or state introduced measures to discourage them. 58 From there, it was a short leap to the poker-faced heroes of Ernest Hemingway, who couldn’t express their grief by any means but drinking and shooting buffalo.The most obvious possibility is that this shift is the result of changes that took place as wemoved from an agricultural society to one that was urban and industrial. In the Middle Ages, a typical village had only a small number of inhabitants related by blood or marriage. 59 But from the 18th century, the population became increasingly urbanized, and people were living amid thousands of strangers. Furthermore, changes in the economy required men to work together in factories and offices where emotional expression was discouraged as time-wasting.60 There’s reason to believe that holding back tears can be harmful to your well-being. Research has suggested a link between stress-related illness and inadequate crying. So it might be better to return to the free-flowing tears of the past. When misfortune strikes, feel free to cry until our sleeves are soaked. As the Old Testament has it: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”A．Nevertheless, by the Romantic period, masculine tears were reserved for poets.B．So it’s time for men to give up being stone-faced and open the floodgates.C．If men cried, they did so with people who would empathize.D．Nor did their companions make fun of this public crying.E．Yet human beings weren’t designed to swallow their emotions.F．This isn’t just a social expectation; it’s a scientific fact.六、书面表达61．Directions:Read the following passage. Summarize the main idea and the main point（s）of the passage in no more than 60 words. Use your own words as far as possible.The long and winding careerAcross the developed world, the workforce now comes in various shades of grey. Since2008, the average labor-force participation rate of 55-to 64-year-olds in developed countries has risen by eight percentage points.Many people will be more than happy to work longer. A recent survey of 1, 000 British retired people found that a quarter thought they had stopped too early. It doesn’t mean retirement loses its appeal. Retirement gives you the chance to sleep late and avoid the morning commute. On a hot summer’s day, you can enjoy the sunshine; on a winter’s day, you can avoid the cold and rain. No longer do you have to sit through endless meetings or check email obsessively.But work has many benefits. As the survey reveals, it gives people a purpose in life. The first month of retirement may seem pleasant, but boredom is bound to follow. Grand plans to learn languages and travel the world can quickly fall through. Furthermore, the friendship of colleagues provides a social network; spending all week at home can lead to loneliness.Of course, many people are working longer not because they enjoy what they do, but because they cannot afford to quit. Companies have been phasing out pensions linked to final salaries and workers end up with a pot of savings at retirement that needs to be reinvested. The income from such pots has been reduced by very low interest rates. Therefore, they need to keep working.However, employers may be held back. One in three 55-to 65-year-olds in developed countries either lacks computer experience or cannot pass technology tests. Such deficits can be tackled with proper training, organized by the government or by companies themselves so that the over-55s can become silver surfers as their livelihood may depend on that._______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________七、翻译62．我刚刚冲出教室，这时脚下一滑，重重地摔了一跤。

高中生英语作文《探索宇宙的奥秘》Exploring the Mysteries of the UniverseThe universe is a vast and complex system that has always fascinated humans.From the stars and planets to the countless celestial bodies that exist beyond our solar system, there is a wealth of knowledge waiting to be discovered.As a high school student, I am deeply interested in exploring the mysteries of the universe and seeking answers to the many questions that surround us.Firstly, one of the most intriguing aspects of the universe is the existence of other galaxies and celestial bodies.With the advancements in technology, we have been able to observe and study distant galaxies, nebulae, and black holes.However, there is still much that we do not understand.For instance, the nature of dark matter and dark energy, which make up the majority of the universe, is still a mystery.By studying these phenomena, we can gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental laws of physics and the structure of the universe.Secondly, the origin and evolution of the universe are topics that have captivated scientists and philosophers alike.The Big Bang theory proposes that the universe began as a singularity and has been expanding ever since.However, there are still many unanswered questions about the early moments of the universe and how it developed into its current state.By studying the cosmic microwave background radiationand the distribution of galaxies, we can piece together the story of the universe's origins and evolution.Furthermore, the search for extraterrestrial life is another area of interest in exploring the universe.The vastness of the universe suggests that there must be other planets capable of supporting life.Through the use of telescopes and space probes, scientists have discovered thousands of exoplanets, some of which may be in the habitable zone of their stars.By studying these exoplanets and their environments, we can gain insights into the conditions necessary for life to exist elsewhere in the universe.In conclusion, the mysteries of the universe are vast and complex, and there is much left to be discovered.As a high school student, I am excited to be part of this journey of exploration and discovery.Through the study of galaxies, the origins of the universe, and the search for extraterrestrial life, we can unravel the mysteries that have puzzled humanity for centuries.The future of our understanding of the universe lies in the hands of curious and dedicated individuals like myself, who are willing to ask questions, challenge existing theories, and push the boundaries of human knowledge.。

Autumn Floods (英文版庄子-秋水全篇)In the time of autumn floods, a hundred streams poured into the river. It swelled in its turbid course, so that it was impossible to tell a cow from a horse on the opposite banks or on the islets. Then the Spirit of the River laughed for joy that all the beauty of the earth was gathered to himself. Down the stream he journeyed east, until he reached the North Sea. There, looking eastwards and seeing no limit to its wide expanse, his countenance began to change. And as he gazed over the ocean, he sighed and said to North-Sea Jo, "A vulgar proverb says that he who has heard a great many truths thinks no one equal to himself. And such a one am I. Formerly when I heard people detracting from the learning of Confucius or underrating the heroism of Po Yi, I did not believe it. But now that I have looked upon your inexhaustibility -- alas for me ! had I not reached your abode, I should have been for ever a laughing stock to those of great enlightenment!"To this North-Sea Jo (the Spirit of the Ocean) replied, "You cannot speak of ocean to a well-frog, which is limited by his abode. You cannot speak of ice to a summer insect, which is limited by his short life. You cannot speak of Tao to a pedagogue, who is limited in his knowledge. But now that you have emerged from your narrow sphere and have seen the great ocean, you know your own insignificance, and I can speak to you of great principles."There is no body of water beneath the canopy of heaven which is greater than the ocean. All streams pour into it without cease, yet it does not overflow. It is being continually drained off at the Tail-Gate yet it is never empty. Spring and autumn bring no change; floods and droughts are equally unknown. And thus it is immeasurably superior to mere rivers and streams. Yet I have never ventured to boast on this account. For I count myself, among the things that take shape from the universe and receive life from the yin and yang, but as a pebble or a small tree on a vast mountain. Only too conscious of my own insignificance, how can I presume to boast of my greatness?"Are not the Four Seas to the universe but like ant-holes in a marsh? Is not the Middle Kingdom to the surrounding ocean like a tare-seed in a granary? Of all the myriad created things, man is but one. And of all those who inhabit the Nine Continents, live on the fruit of the earth, and move about in cart and boat, an individual man is but one. Is not he, as compared with all creation, but as the tip of a hair upon a horse's body?"The succession of the Five Rulers, the contentions of the Three Kings, the concerns of the kind-hearted, the labors of the administrators, are but this and nothing more. Po Yi refused the throne for fame. Chungni (Confucius) discoursed to get a reputation for learning. This over-estimation of self on their part -- was it not very much like your own previous self-estimation in reference to water?""Very well," replied the Spirit of the River, "am I then to regard the universe as great and the tip of a hair as small?""Not at all," said the Spirit of the Ocean. "Dimensions are limitless; time is endless. Conditions are not constant; terms are not final. Thus, the wise man looks into space, and does not regard the small as too little, nor the great as too much; for he knows that there is no limit to dimensions. He looks back into the past, and does not grieve over what is far off, nor rejoice over what is near; for he knows that time is without end. He investigates fullness and decay, and therefore does not rejoice if he succeeds, nor lament if he fails; for he knows that conditions are not constant. He who clearly apprehends the scheme of existence does not rejoice over life, nor repine at death; for he knows that terms are not final."What man knows is not to be compared with what he does not know. The span of his existence is not to be compared with the span of his non-existence. To strive to exhaust the infinite by means of the infinitesimal necessarily lands him in confusion and unhappiness. How then should one be able to say that the tip of a hair is the ne plus ultra of smallness, or that the universe is the ne plus ultra of greatness?""Dialecticians of the day," replied the Spirit of the River, "all say that the infinitesimal has no form, and that the infinite is beyond all measurement. Is that true?""If we look at the great from the standpoint of the small," said the Spirit of the Ocean, "we cannot reach its limit; and if we look at the small from the standpoint of the great, it eludes our sight. The infinitesimal is a subdivision of the small; the colossal is an extension of the great. In this sense the two fall into different categories. This lies in the nature of circumstances. Now smallness and greatness presuppose form. That which is without form cannot be divided by numbers, and that which is above measurement cannot be measured. The greatness of anything may be a topic of discussion, and the smallness of anything may be mentally imagined. But that which can be neither a topic of discussion nor imagined mentally cannot be said to have greatness or smallness."Therefore, the truly great man does not injure others and does not credit himself with charity and mercy. He seeks not gain, but does not despise the servants who do. He struggles not for wealth, but does not lay great value on his modesty. He asks for help from no man, but is not proud of his self-reliance, neither does he despise the greedy. He acts differently from the vulgar crowd, but does not place high value on being different or eccentric; nor because he acts with the majority does he despise those that flatter a few. The ranks and emoluments of the world are to him no cause for joy; its punishments and shame no cause for disgrace. He knows that right and wrong cannot be distinguished, that great and small cannot be defined."I have heard say, 'The man of Tao has no (concern) reputation; the truly virtuous has no (concern for) possessions; the truly great man ignores self.' This is the height ofself-discipline.""But how then," asked the Spirit of the River, "arise the distinctions of high and low, ofgreat and small in the material and immaterial aspects of things?""From the point of view of Tao," replied the Spirit of the Ocean, "there are no such distinctions of high and low. From the point of view of individuals, each holds himself high and holds others low. From the vulgar point of view, high and low (honors and dishonor) are some thing conferred by others. "In regard to distinctions, if we say that a thing is great or small by its own standard of great or small, then there is nothing in all creation which is not great, nothing which is not small. To know that the universe is but as a tare-seed, and the tip of a hair is (as big as) a mountain, -- this is the expression of relativity."In regard to function, if we say that something exists or does not exist, by its own standard of existence or non- existence, then there is nothing which does not exist, nothing which does not perish from existence. If we know that east and west are convertible and yet necessary terms in relation to each other, then such (relative) functions may be determined."In regard to man's desires or interests, if we say that anything is good or bad because it is either good or bad according to our individual (subjective) standards, then there is nothing which is not good, nothing -- which is not bad. If we know that Yao and Chieh each regarded himself as good and the other as bad, then the (direction of) their interests becomes apparent."Of old Yao and Shun abdicated (in favor of worthy successors) and the rule was maintained, while Kuei (Prince of Yen) abdicated (in favor of Tsechih) and the latter failed. T'ang and Wu got the empire by fighting, while by fighting, Po Kung lost it. From this it may be seen that the value of abdicating or fighting, of acting like Yao or like Chieh, varies according to time, and may not be regarded as a constant principle. "A battering-ram can knock down a wall, but it cannot repair a breach. Different things are differently applied. Ch'ichi and Hualiu (famous horses) could travel 1,000 li in one day, but for catching rats they were not equal to a wild cat. Different animals possess different aptitudes. An owl can catch fleas at night, and see the tip of a hair, but if it comes out in the daytime it can open wide its eyes and yet fail to see a mountain. Different creatures are differently constituted."Thus, those who say that they would have right without its correlate, wrong; or good government without its correlate, misrule, do not apprehend the great principles of the universe, nor the nature of all creation. One might as well talk of the existence of Heaven without that of Earth, or of the negative principle without the positive, which is clearly impossible. Yet people keep on discussing it without stop; such people must be either fools or knaves."Rulers abdicated under different conditions, and the Three Dynasties succeeded each other under different conditions. Those who came at the wrong time and went against the tide are called usurpers. Those who came at the right time and fitted in with their age are called defenders of Right. Hold your peace, Uncle River. How can you know thedistinctions of high and low and of the houses of the great and small?'"In this case," replied the Spirit of the River, "what am I to do about declining and accepting, following and abandoning (courses of action)?""From the point of view of Tao," said the Spirit of the Ocean."How can we call this high and that low? For there is (the process of) reverse evolution (uniting opposites). To follow one absolute course would involve great departure from Tao. What is much? What is little? Be thankful for the gift. To follow a one-sided opinion is to diverge from Tao. Be exalted, as the ruler of a State whose administration is impartial. Be at ease, as the Deity of the Earth, whose dispensation is impartial. Be expansive, like the points of the compass, boundless without a limit. Embrace all creation, and none shall be more sheltered or helped than another. This is to be without bias. And all things being equal, how can one say which is long and which is short? Tao is without beginning, without end. The material things are born and die, and no credit is taken for their development. Emptiness and fullness alternate, and their relations are not fixed. Past years cannot be recalled; time cannot be arrested. The succession of growth and decay, of increase and diminution, goes in a cycle, each end becoming a new beginning. In this sense only may we discuss the ways of truth and the principles of the universe. The life of things passes by like a rushing, galloping horse, changing at every turn, at every hour. What should one do, or what should one not do? Let the (cycle of) changes go on by themselves!""If this is the case," said the Spirit of the River, "what is the value of Tao?""Those who understand Tao," answered the Spirit of the Ocean "must necessarily apprehend the eternal principles and those who apprehend the eternal principles must understand their application. Those who understand their application do not suffer material things to injure them. "The man of perfect virtue cannot be burnt by fire, nor drowned by water, nor hurt by the cold of winter or the heat of summer, nor torn by bird or beast. Not that he makes light of these; but that he discriminates between safety and danger, is happy under prosperous and adverse circumstances alike, and cautious in his choice of action, so that none can harm him."Therefore it has been said that Heaven (the natural) abides within man (the artificial) without. Virtue abides in the natural. Knowledge of the action of the natural and of the artificial has its basis in the natural its destination in virtue. Thus, whether moving forward or backwards whether yielding or asserting, there is always a reversion to the essential and to the ultimate.""What do you mean," enquired the Spirit of the River, "by the natural and the artificial?""Horses and oxen," answered the Spirit of the Ocean, "have four feet. That is the natural.Put a halter on a horse's head, a string through a bullock's nose. That is the artificial."Therefore it has been said, do not let the artificial obliterate the natural; do not let will obliterate destiny; do not let virtue be sacrificed to fame. Diligently observe these precepts without fail, and thus you will revert to the True."The walrus envies the centipede; the centipede envies the snake; the snake envies the wind; the wind envies the eye; and the eye envies the mind. The walrus said to the centipede, "I hop about on one leg but not very successfully. How do you manage all those legs you have?""I don't manage them," replied the centipede. "Have you never seen saliva? When it is ejected, the big drops are the size of pearls, the small ones like mist. At random they fall, in countless numbers. So, too, does my natural mechanism move, without my knowing how I do it."The centipede said to the snake, "With all my legs I do not move as fast as you with none. How is that?""One's natural mechanism," replied the snake, "is not a thing to be changed. What need have I for legs?"The snake said to the wind, "I wriggle about by moving my spine, as if I had legs. Now you seem to be without form, and yet you come blustering down from the North Sea to bluster away to the South Sea How do you do it?""'Tis true," replied the wind, "that I bluster as you say. But anyone who sticks his finger or his foot into me, excels me. On the other hand, I can tear away huge trees and destroy large buildings. This power is given only to me. Out of many minor defeats I win the big victory. And to win a big victory is given only to the Sages."When Confucius visited K'uang, the men of Sung surrounded him by several cordons. Yet he went on singing to his guitar without stop. "How is it, Master," enquired Tselu, "that you are so cheerful?""Come here," replied Confucius, "and I will tell you. For a long time I have not been willing to admit failure, but in vain. Fate is against me. For a long time I have been seeking success, but in vain. The hour has not come. In the days of Yao and Shun, no man throughout the empire was a failure, though this was not due to their cleverness. In the days of Chieh and Chou, no man throughout the empire was a success, though this was not due to their stupidity. The circumstances happened that way."To travel by water without fear of sea-serpents and dragons, -- this is the courage of the fisherman. To travel by land without fear of the wild buffaloes and tigers, -- this is thecourage of hunters. When bright blades cross, to look on death as on life, -- this is the courage of the warrior. To know that failure is fate and that success is opportunity, and to remain fearless in times of great danger, -- this is the courage of the Sage. Stop bustling, Yu! My destiny is controlled (by someone).Shortly afterwards, the captain of the troops came in and apologized, saying, "We thought you were Yang Hu; that was why we surrounded you. We find we have made a mistake." Whereupon he apologized and retired.Kungsun Lung said to Mou of Wei, "When young I studied the teachings of the elders. When I grew up, I understood the morals of charity and duty. I learned to level together similarities and differences, to confound arguments on "hardness" and "whiteness", to affirm what others deny, and justify what others dispute. I vanquished the wisdom of all the philosophers, and overcame the arguments of all people. I thought that I had indeed understood everything. But now that I have heard Chuangtse, I am lost in astonishment. I know not whether it is in arguing or in knowledge that I am not equal to him. I can no longer open my mouth. May I ask you to impart to me the secret?"Prince Mou leaned over the table and sighed. Then he looked up to heaven and laughed, saying, "Have you never heard of the frog in the shallow well? The frog said to the turtle of the Eastern Sea, 'What a great time I am having! I hop to the rail around the well, and retire to rest in the hollow of some broken bricks. Swimming, I float on my armpits, resting my jaws just above the water. Plunging into the mud, I bury my feet up to the foot-arch, and not one of the cockles, crabs or tadpoles I see around me are my match. Besides, to occupy such a pool all alone and possess a shallow well is to be as happy as anyone can be. Why do you not come and pay me a visit?'"Now before the turtle of the Eastern Sea had got its left leg down its right knee had already stuck fast, and it shrank back and begged to be excused. It then told the frog about the sea, saying, 'A thousand li would not measure its breadth, nor a thousand fathoms its depth. In the days of the Great Yu:, there were nine years of flood out of ten; but this did not add to its bulk. In the days of T'ang, there were seven years of drought out of eight; but this did not make its shores recede. Not to be affected by the passing of time, and not to be affected by increase or decrease of water, -- such is the great happiness of the Eastern Sea.' At this the frog of the shallow well was considerably astonished and felt very small, like one lost."For one whose knowledge does not yet appreciate the niceties of true and false to attempt to understand Chuangtse, is like a mosquito trying to carry a mountain, or an insect trying to swim a river. Of course he will fail. Moreover, one whose knowledge does not reach to the subtlest teachings, yet is satisfied with temporary success, -- is not he like the frog in the well?"Chuangtse is now climbing up from the realms below to reach high heaven. For him nonorth or south; lightly the four points are gone, engulfed in the unfathomable. For him no east or west - starting from the Mystic Unknown, he returns to the Great Unity. And yet you think you are going to find his truth by dogged inquiries and arguments! This is like looking at the sky through a tube, or pointing at the earth with an awl. Is not this being petty?"Have you never heard how a youth of Shouling went to study the walking gait at Hantan? Before he could learn the Hantan gait, he had forgotten his own way of walking, and crawled back home on all fours. If you do not go away now, you will forget what you have and lose your own professional knowledge." Kungsun Lung's jaw hung open, his tongue clave to his palate, and he slunk away.Chuangtse was fishing on the P'u River when the Prince of Ch'u sent two high officials to see him and said, "Our Prince desires to burden you with the administration of the Ch'u State." Chuangtse went on fishing without turning his head and said, "I have heard that in Ch'u there is a sacred tortoise which died when it was three thousand (years) old. The prince keeps this tortoise carefully enclosed in a chest in his ancestral temple. Now would this tortoise rather be dead and have its remains venerated, or would it rather be alive and wagging its tail in the mud?""It would rather be alive," replied the two officials, and wagging its tail in the mud.""Begone!" cried Chuangtse. "I too will wag my tail in the mud.Hueitse was Prime Minister in the Liang State, and Chuangtse was on his way to see him. Someone remarked, "Chuangtse has come. He wants to be minister in your place." Thereupon Hueitse was afraid, and searched all over the country for three days and three nights to find him.Then Chuangtse went to see him, and said, "In the south there is a bird. It is a kind of phoenix. Do you know it? When it starts from the South Sea to fly to the North Sea, it would not alight except on the wu-t'ung tree. It eats nothing but the fruit of the bamboo, drinks nothing but the purest spring water. An owl which had got the rotten carcass of a rat, looked up as the phoenix flew by, and screeched. Are you not screeching at me over your kingdom of Liang?"Chuangtse and Hueitse had strolled on to the bridge over the Hao, when the former observed, "See how the small fish are darting about! That is the happiness of the fish.""You not being a fish yourself," said Hueitse, "how can you know the happiness of the fish?""And you not being I," retorted Chuangtse, "how can you know that I do not know?""If I, not being you, cannot know what you know," urged Hueitse, "it follows that you, notbeing a fish, cannot know the happiness of the fish.""Let us go back to your original question," said Chuangtse. "You asked me how I knew the happiness of the fish. Your very question shows that you knew that I knew. I knew it (from my own feelings) on this bridge."[文档可能无法思考全面，请浏览后下载，另外祝您生活愉快，工作顺利，万事如意!]。