Man and Nature
Guidance for Reciting
“The unity of Heaven and Humanity”should be the philosophic foundation of our establishing a harmonious society.
The intimacy between man and Nature begins with the birth of man on the earth，and becomes each century more intelligent and far-reaching. To Nature，therefore，we turn as to the oldest and most influential teacher of our race；from one point of view once our taskmaster，now our servant；from another point of view，our constant friend，instructor and inspirer. The very intimacy of this relation robs it of a certain mystery and richness which it would have for all minds if it were the reward of the few instead of being the privilege of the many. To the few it is，in every age，full of wonder and beauty；to the many it is a matter of course.
Notes
1.intimacy [5intimEsi] n.熟悉，亲密
2.far-reaching a.深远的，伸至远处的，广大的
3.taskmaster [5ta：skma：stE（r）] n.工头，监工
人与自然
诵读导言
“天人合一”应该是我们建设和谐社会的哲学基础。
自地球上出现人类，人与自然之间产生了亲密的关系，而且这种关系不断被发扬光大，每一世纪都比以前变得更为明智而深远。所以，我们转而把自然视为人类的最年长和最有影响力的老师。从某一个观点来看，自然曾一度是我们的监工，现在却变成了我们的奴仆。但从另一个观点来看，自然一直是我们的最忠实的朋友、教导者和启发者。这种和谐亲密的关系，如果仅仅是人类少数人能享有的特权，那便会在人们心目中引发一种神秘和情趣。但是事实上，这种亲密关系是被天下所有人共享的，这就使那份和谐紧密的关系失去了神秘和情趣。对于少数人来说，这种关系在每个时代都充满了奇妙和美好；而对于多数人来说，这种关系只是理所当然的一件事。
注：汉密尔顿？怀特？马堡（1846―1916），美国著名批评家、散文家。人与自然的关系是人们永远关注的主题，马堡也不例外，他在本篇中对人与自然关系的阐述，让我们获益匪浅。
