My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of men. Finally whether you are citizens of America, or citizens of the world, ask of us here, the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience of our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth, God’s work must truly be our own.–By John F. Kennedy
美国同胞们,不要问美国能为你们做些什么,应该问你们能为美国贡献些什么。全世界的同胞们,不要 问美国将为你做些什么,应该问我们一同能为人类的自由做些什么。最后,无论你是美国公民还是其他国家的同胞,你们应该要求我们献出我们同样要求于你们的高度的力量和牺牲。无愧于心是我们惟一可靠的奖赏,历史是我们行动最终的裁判。这一切让我们大步向前,去引领我们所热爱的这片土地。我们祈求上帝的保佑和帮助,但我们很清楚,上帝在尘世的工作必定是我们自己的工作。
–[美]约翰·肯尼迪
citizen: n.市民,公民
sacrifice: n./ v.牺牲,献身
conscience: n.良心,道德心
Let me express my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself-nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror, which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life, a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves, which is essential to victory and I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days. In such a spirit on my part and on yours, we face our common difficulties. They concern, thank God, only material things.–By Franklin D. Roosevelt
译文 让我来表明我坚定的信念:我们不得不害怕的其实就是害怕本身–一种莫名奇妙的、丧失理智的、毫无根据的恐惧。它把人们转退为进所需要的种种努力化为泡影。但凡在我国生活阴云密布的时刻,坦率而有活力的领导都得到过人民的理解和支持,从而为胜利准备了不可缺少的必要条件。我相信,在目前危机的时刻,大家会再次给与同样的支持。我和你们都要以这种精神来共同面对困难。感谢上帝,这些困难只是物质方面的。
–[美]弗兰克林·罗斯福
unreasoning: adj.丧失理智的
unjustified: adj.毫无根据的
frankness: n.率直,坦白