文质彬彬·每日好词语｜大信不约

整理/秦珍子 制图/ 张玉佳

　　大信不约

　　最高的诚信，不限于誓约。中国古人认为，人言即“信”，诚信是人之为人的固有规定。“信”是盟约、誓言的内在精神；“约”只是“信”的一种表现形式。没有“信”，“约”不过是一纸空文；有了“信”，“约”才具有实际意义。它强调的是诚信精神。

　　The Greatest Trust Is Not Found in Pledges

　　The greatest trust includes but is not limited to pledges. Ancient Chinese believed that trust is a person standing by their word. To act in good faith is a basic requirement for a person to become fully human. Trust is essential for an agreement or a pledge. An agreement is only a representation of trust. Without trust, an agreement is just a piece of paper. An agreement is meaningful only when parties concerned have trust. This concept stresses the importance of the spirit of good faith.

　　引例

　　大德不官，大道不器，大信不约，大时不齐。（《礼记·学记》）（有很高德行的人，不限于担任一种官职；普遍的道理，不只适用于一件事物；最高的诚信，不限于誓约；自然规律的变化，也无须整齐划一。）

　　A man of high virtue will not be limited to work at one official position. A universal truth does not apply only to one thing. Good faith does not require making pledges. Changes of seasons do not follow the same pattern. (The Book of Rites)